Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
⏱ Estimated time: 5 minutes
Informational overview
This guide provides general context about this document type. For the official version applicable to your state, use the source linked below.
Federal law (Title X / 42 U.S.C. § 4852d) requires sellers of any residential dwelling built before 1978 to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and give the buyer the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home." This applies in every state — there are no exceptions for FSBO transactions.
📥 Get the official blank form
The official form is published by EPA. Always download from the source — never trust a third-party copy.
Open official source ↗Who needs this
Any seller of a home built BEFORE 1978, anywhere in the US.
Does NOT apply to: homes built in 1978 or later, vacant land, commercial property, housing for the elderly (62+) or persons with disabilities (with no children under 6 expected to reside).
What you need to do
When to deliver it
BEFORE the buyer becomes obligated under the purchase agreement. In practice: include it with the disclosure packet you give to interested buyers, and have it signed alongside the offer.
Keep the signed copy for your records for at least 3 years after closing.
⚠️ Things to watch out for
Commonly-reported issues people run into with this document. Always verify the specifics with your state's official source or a licensed professional.
- •Forgetting to provide the EPA pamphlet ("Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home") alongside the disclosure form. Both are required.
- •Marking "no knowledge" when you actually know there's peeling paint or had a child test high for lead. Disclose what you know.
- •Skipping this for a 1979-built home that was previously remodeled with materials from 1977. Year built determines applicability, not materials used.
- •Not preserving the signed copy — you need it for 3 years.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-09 · Placeholder content — pending review
This entry is informational only — not legal advice. Frula Homes is an informational platform. We point you to official sources; we don't prepare, review, or interpret legal documents, and we're not your attorney or real estate agent. For legal questions specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.