Online Tool Makes It Easier for Landlords to Comply with Vermont’s Lead Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 28, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The Vermont Department of Health has developed a free online service that will make it easier for owners and managers of pre-1978 rental housing to comply with essential maintenance practices mandated by the Vermont Lead Law.

The law requires that owners of rental housing and child care facilities built before 1978 take certain specific steps to keep the property lead safe. Compliance statements have to be filed annually, and a copy of the statement provided to tenants. As the database grows, Vermonters will be able to check on the status of a property and make sure it is in compliance.

The State of Vermont strengthened its lead poisoning prevention laws during the 2007-2008 legislative session to protect young children from exposure to lead.

Young children are at highest risk because they can put paint chips or dust into their mouth as they touch and explore inside and outside a home.

“Exposure to lead can have lifelong health effects such as lowering a child’s IQ,” said Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD.

Lead dust exposure for adults can cause high blood pressure, increase the risk of miscarriage for pregnant women, and result in decreased fertility in men.

Vermont has one of the oldest housing stocks in the nation. About 70 percent of homes were built before 1978, the year lead in house paint was banned.

“The new system will make it even easier for landlords to comply with the lead law,” said Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell. “More landlords complying with the law means more Vermonters in safe rental housing.”

If property owners and managers have questions about this new system, or a renter believes a compliance statement should be filed for a particular property, email EmpCompliance (at) state.vt (dot) us, or call (802) 865-7786.

Landlords and property managers can file a compliance statement at: https://secure.vermont.gov/VDH/emp/

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Visit the Office of the Attorney General’s lead webpage at: http://www.atg.state.vt.us/issues/consumer-protection/lead-issues.php

Source: Department of Health