Minnesota State Real Estate Practice Test

What does the Department of Housing and Urban Development require regarding lead paint in homes built before 1978?

1. Homeowners must eliminate lead paint

2. Buyers must acknowledge disclosure of known lead paint

3. All homes must be inspected for lead paint

4. Only government-owned properties are subject to disclosure

The correct answer is: Buyers must acknowledge disclosure of known lead paint

The requirement set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding lead paint in homes built before 1978 pertains primarily to the disclosure of known lead paint hazards. Homes constructed prior to this year are likely to contain lead-based paint, and when a property is sold or leased, the seller or landlord must disclose any known information concerning lead-based paint hazards. This disclosure ensures that buyers and tenants are aware of the potential risks associated with lead exposure, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health and safety. While eliminating lead paint is a good practice for homeowners, HUD regulations do not impose an obligation to remove every case of lead paint unless there is a specific renovation or construction project requiring compliance with lead-safe work practices. There's also no universal requirement for all homes to undergo inspections for lead paint, and the rule does not exclusively limit liability to government-owned properties. By focusing on the acknowledgment of known lead paint types, buyers are better informed about safety measures they might need to take when residing in older homes.