Portland area property management company cited for violations of federal lead rules

News Release:

Portland area property management company cited for violations of federal lead rules

 Contact Info: Hanady Kader, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-0454, kader.hanady@epa.gov
Barbara Ross, EPA Lead Coordinator, 206-553-1985, ross.barbara@epa.gov
Shantac Goodloe, HUD Public Affairs, 202-708-0685

(Seattle – May 21, 2012) American Property Management of Portland, Oregon will pay a penalty for alleged violations of the federal Lead Disclosure Rule, according to a settlement with the federal government. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the settlement today, while urging landlords and property owners to inform people of potential risks from lead.

APM leases properties in Portland, Oregon. According to EPA and HUD inspectors, from 2007-2010, APM leased 35 units and failed to produce records showing they notified tenants about the potential presence of lead paint and lead-based paint hazards, as required by the Lead Disclosure Rule. The EPA and HUD requested the records during an inspection in 2010. APM will pay a $10,000 penalty.

“People have the right to know about lead hazards prior to renting or buying a place to live,” said Rick Albright, Director of EPA’s Office of Air, Waste and Toxics in Seattle. “Sellers, landlords and property managers have a responsibility to follow these requirements and inform people of potential risks. If they don’t, they are going to face stiff penalties.”

“It’s absolutely critical that families have the right information so that they can protect their children’s health,” said Jon L. Gant, Director of HUD’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. “This settlement sends a message to landlords of housing across the country that they make sure to properly disclose the required lead information to the families they rent to.”

The Lead Disclosure Rule requires landlords, property management companies, and sellers to inform potential lessees and purchasers of the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing. They must also provide the purchaser or lessee with a copy of the Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet, “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” before entering into any lease or sales agreement, and keep records showing they have met the federal requirements.

Lead from paint, dust, and soil can be dangerous if not managed properly. Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadbase.htm

HUD and its programs: www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

HUD on Twitter @HUDnews or on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD.