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Landlord/Seller Requirements

Virginia does not have lead laws like the District of Columbia and Maryland. Landlords are not required to inspect their properties for lead-based paint.

Federal law requires owners of pre-1978 homes to disclose the presence of lead-based paint. The disclosure must happen before renting or selling the home. Owners must provide specific warning statements about lead based paint in their sales contracts and leases.

Landlords should provide the following information to their tenants.

• Lead hazard information pamphlet
• Disclosure of any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards
• Copy of signed written statement acknowledging receipt of information with tenant’s signature

Lead Safe Virginia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

The Lead Safe Virginia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program aims to eliminate lead in children. Their goal is to reduce lead as a health hazard for children under 6 years old. They educate parents on how to keep their children safe.

Children under the age of 7 can be tested if they meet at least one of the following criteria.

• Enrolled in Medicaid or WIC
• Living or regularly visiting property built before 1978
• Living or regularly visiting someone who has been exposed to lead paint
• Living with someone who works around lead-based paint
• Living near a facility that handles lead
• Parent or guardian requests a blood test
• Non-US Citizen

Blood tests detect lead. It is recommended that you get your child tested at ages 1 and 2. In Virginia, a child is considered lead poisoned when their blood lead level is 20 µg/dL or above. The local health department does not get involved until the blood lead level is above 10 µg/dL.

The CDC recommends identifying children who are at least at 5 µg/dL because there is no safe lead level. If you child’s lead level is at least 5 µg/dL, you should start monitoring it.

Monitor the situation by doing the following.

• Getting a risk assessment or lead paint inspection
• Ensuring a balanced nutritious diet low in fat and high in Vitamin C, iron, and calcium
• Following recommended lead hazard prevention guidelines
• Following up with regular checkups with the child’s healthcare provider

Between 6 to 12 months, a child’s blood lead level tends to increase and peak at 18 to 24 months. Regular testing is important. The child’s healthcare provider can explain what the test results mean and if more testing will be needed.

Lead Hazard Prevention Guidelines

Prevention of lead exposure is best. Lead poisoning can be prevented by following certain practices.

• Clean floors, window sills, and any other surfaces a toddler or baby can touch.
• Wash a child’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys.
• Remove shoes or wipe soil off shoes before entering your house.
• Hire a certified lead inspector or risk assessor to check for lead hazards.
• Fix any deteriorating paint on the inside and outside of your home.
• Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling.
• Only hire contractors who will follow safe work practices according to the RRP Rule (Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule).
• Hire professionals to remove lead-based paint. Don’t remove it yourself.