Information for Tenants About Lead Hazard Control

Illinois Lead-safe Housing Standards Task Force's set specific guidelines and recommendations for property owners and tenants about home maintenance and lead hazard control for rental property properties:

  1. Property owners must tell new tenants of any known lead-based paint hazard before they rent the property, and given the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pamphlet, "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." (PDF)
  2. Property owners/landlords must check for damaged paint, both inside and outside, every twelve months and before new tenants move in.
  3. Property owners/landlords must fix any lead-based paint hazards within 30 days of finding the hazard or within 30 days of hearing about the problem from the tenant. Causes of damaged paint must be fixed within 90 days.
  4. Lead-safe work practices must be used when fixing damaged paint
  5. Property owners/landlords must tell tenants before they rent, in writing, about how to report hazards and why it is important. Landlords must remind tenants about lead hazards and how to prevent them each time they renew the lease.
  6. Owners/landlords must make sure all workers, including themselves, are trained in and follow lead-safe work practices.
  7. Owners/landlords must use lead-safe methods to clean common areas, including porches at least two times a year. Lead-safe cleaning methods must also be used before new tenants rent the unit. Tenants must be told in advance when lead-safe cleaning is planned.

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