Hi, I have been renting this house for 4 years, Just discovered that this house has lea paint, and asbestos. Can a landlord legally rent under these conditions? If I bring it to their attention to they have to remove it? Can they leave hazardous conditions like these in a rental house?
2007-12-26 04:38:02 · 7 answers · asked by andosetsfire1 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Yes it's legal.
Most of the other posters here have answered your "concerns" about asbestos, and lead paint.
Why exactly are you concerned now, shouldn't you have asked these questions before you moved in?
It sounds like you are trying to get out of your lease, or at the very least trying not to pay rent. NO ONE LIVES FOR FREE!!
2007-12-26 11:58:18 · answer #1 · answered by JSB 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Yes, it is quite legal. Both items are only dangerous if you disturb them. Asbestos ceiling and floor tiles are very common. The tiles can be covered over when new flooring is installed; otherwise removal can be considered hazardous waste. So, don't make any improvements like that yourself.
Lead paint was once common as grass in a field. Has the place been repainted in the last 10 years? If so, the paint was encapsulated in lead-free paint. The only danger is if you have a child that chews on the walls and molding. Removal is extremely difficult. Usually the sheetrock is taken down and new put up so this can be quite disruptive.
Asbestos and vermiculite fibers can also be in blown-in insulation. If you have this, stay out of the attic.
Moving may be an option but only if you go to a newer place. Any other similar age housing will most likely have the same conditions.
Just remember, it is not a hazard if you aren't causing it (lead or asbestos) to go airborne.
2007-12-26 04:54:35 · answer #2 · answered by Huba 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It is legal if they do not pose a significant health hazard. The Landlord, however, should have provided you with a federal lead paint disclosure prior to moving in if the house was built before 1970, I believe. If you snitch, the Landlord could get fined and you may even get a little somethin somethin out of it.
I love how I get thumbs downed by some hating, jealous person who is angry that I actually know the law of renting and not just pretend to know it like they do.
2007-12-26 06:49:30 · answer #3 · answered by Legend 4 · 3⤊ 4⤋
Yes, it is very legal to rent such structures. If it were not, 80% of the housing in the nation would be torn down or renovated. As others have stated, neither of these substances are harmful if they are not disturbed or ingested.
2007-12-26 05:03:44 · answer #4 · answered by acermill 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I know where i live at it is, I have a friend who had lead in the paint and had to repaint everything. Sounds like your in an older house. Check your state laws.
2007-12-26 04:45:52 · answer #5 · answered by krennao 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on your state an local laws, but very likely it's legal.
2007-12-26 04:42:25 · answer #6 · answered by Judy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
So you're a licensed inspector? How is it that you just came to know this? In most cases as long as the substance is not disturbed, it is fairly safe. If you are that concerned about it, I suggest you look for a new place to live.
2007-12-26 04:41:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋