Central Maine Blog

EPA RENOVATION, REPAIR AND PAINT RULE : EPA adopted new regulations in 2008 that took effect April 22, 2010. They establish lead safe work practices for contractors doing renovations that will disturb paint in pre-1978 residential properties. The contractors have to be certified/trained by EPA on proper techniques to avoid spreading lead paint hazards and have to give the homeowner/tenant a copy of a new EPA lead pamphlet before undertaking the work. While the regulations do not directly regulate real estate brokers, they will have to make their buyer and seller clients aware of the new requirements if work is being done or is going to be done as part of a transaction. They will need to make sure any list of area contractors they use includes EPA-certified contractors for pre-1978 homes. They will also need to make sure that the results of any testing done in connection with the renovations are disclosed as part of the existing Residential Property Lead Paint Disclosure process. NAR has a video program that explains the regulations plus a FAQ. Go to: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/lead_paint_main

EPA "RENOVATE RIGHT" PAMPHLET: Here's the EPA "Renovate Right" pamphlet, which includes a certification form renovators can use to comply with the new lead paint rules for renovations and repairs - http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf