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 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.
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.
US Attorney Announces Settlement with GR Landlords
December 29, 2009 - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with two landlords for failing to inform tenants that their homes may contain potentially dangerous lead. The Grand Rapids owners have agreed to pay a $6,000 fine and to render their residential housing lead safe, at an estimated cost of nearly $350,000.
According to the Federal Government, Jose and Guillermina Sierra violated the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Residential Lead Act) and implementing regulations (Lead Disclosure Rule) by failing to inform tenants that their homes may contain potentially dangerous levels of lead. Kent County health officials identified three addresses where children had been lead poisoned while they lived in homes owned or managed by the Sierras.
As a result of the settlement, the Sierras tested all of their properties for lead-based paint and have agreed to perform lead-based paint hazard reduction work, including window replacement, abatement of all friction and impact surfaces, stabilization of all other non-friction and non-impact surfaces, and additional interim control work in all residential units they own and manage within a period of six years (see attached list). Work will be completed within six months on any property in which a child under six or pregnant woman resides.
Click here to read the rest of the release from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, US Department of Justice, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
For information on laws regarding rental property and lead-based paint hazards, click here.
Local media coverage:
Making sure children grow up in homes that are healthy and safe is everyone’s job! The Healthy Homes Coalition is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more about specific ways you can help protect children. Connect with us today!
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