HUV.gov Announces: The Lead Disclosure Rule

Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as
Title X, to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil. Section 1018 of this
law directed HUD and EPA to require the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint
and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978.

Types of Housing Covered?
Most private housing, public housing, Federally owned housing, and housing receiving Federal
assistance are affected by this rule.

Effective Dates
The regulations became effective on September 6, 1996 for transactions involving owners of
more than 4 residential dwellings and on December 6, 1996 for transactions involving owners of
1 to 4 residential dwellings.

Recordkeeping
Sellers and lessors must retain a copy of the disclosures for no less than three years from the
date of sale or the date the leasing period begins.

What Can You Do?
If you did not receive the Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based

Paint Hazards form when you bought or leased pre-1978 housing, contact 1-800-424-
LEAD