Lead-based paint disclosure (federal & California)

Federal law requires landlords of most housing built before 1978 to give tenants a lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, and to include a lead warning in the lease (42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 CFR Part 35, Subpart A; 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart F). California adds teeth: undisclosed lead-based paint hazards are independently unlawful as substandard housing under Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17920.10, and in Los Angeles the County and City health departments can order abatement and inspect under this standard. Use the official federal forms — don't retype them.

This is an official government form. We link you to the authoritative source so you always use the current version.

Get the official form ↗

This is a plain-language summary, not the disclosure form itself. You must give the tenant the official EPA-approved disclosure form and the pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" (linked above), and keep signed copies for 3 years from the start of tenancy (24 CFR § 35.92; 40 CFR § 745.113). Undisclosed lead hazards can also trigger a Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17920.10 substandard-housing violation and LA County/City code enforcement action. This is a template, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Does this apply to all rentals in Los Angeles?

Only housing built before 1978, with limited exemptions (e.g., housing for the elderly or disabled with no children, certain zero-bedroom units). Nearly all older LA multifamily buildings are covered.

Is a California-specific lead disclosure form required in addition to the federal one?

No separate mandatory state form exists for leases — the federal EPA/HUD form satisfies the disclosure duty. California's added protection is that undisclosed lead hazards independently violate Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17920.10 as substandard housing, which LA County Public Health or LAHD/HCIDLA can enforce.

What if the landlord doesn't know whether there's lead paint?

The landlord must disclose whatever they actually know or have records of — they aren't required to test. But they cannot claim no knowledge if they have reports, prior inspection results, or tenant complaints indicating lead hazards.

What can happen if a landlord skips this disclosure?

Federal penalties can reach up to $10,000+ per violation (adjusted periodically) plus tenant civil suits for actual damages and up to treble damages under Title X. In California, an undisclosed hazard can also draw a housing-code violation and habitability claim.

Sign your LA lease online — free

Create a compliant California lease and send it to your tenant to sign. Free for landlords.

Create a free lease