The Rental Property Owners Association (RPOA), in collaboration with the Healthy Homes Coalition and the City of Grand Rapids, is holding a special seminar entitled "Protect Your Rental Properties from Lead Based Paint Liabilities" April 22 at 6:00pm.  The seminar will be held at DeVos Place (room Monroe B) in Grand Rapids.

The seminar is being held in response to the new federal Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule that will go into effect that day, as well as the recent Federal lawsuit against two Grand Rapids landlords for non-compliance with federal housing regulations.

Beginning April 2010, all renovators, remodelers and painters working in pre-1978 housing will be required to be an EPA-certified renovator trained in lead safe work practices.  This requirement will apply to all renovation projects, not just lead abatement.  Effected trades include remodelers, renovators, window replacement workers, painters, electricians, plumbers, and any other trades that disturb painted surfaces during the course of their work.  Landlords who make repairs themselves will also be required to have this certification.

The Healthy Homes Coalition was recently awarded $26,248 in FEMA funding to make sure families with children have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in their homes.  This award will allow Healthy Homes to serve 400 families! 

The Healthy Homes Coalition is once again commencing radon testing services for the 2009-2010 season.  Test kits can be purchased at Healthy Homes for $5.00, or can be provided free of charge as part of the Healthy Homes CLEARCorps program.