Which federal agency requires disclosure of lead hazards to tenants?

The requirement for disclosure of lead hazards to tenants originates from regulations established under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This legislation mandates that landlords and property sellers must provide information regarding lead-based paint and its hazards in residential properties built before 1978 to prospective tenants or buyers. The EPA is responsible for implementing and overseeing these regulations to ensure that individuals are informed about potential lead exposure risks, which is crucial for protecting public health, especially considering the serious health effects lead can have on children.

While other agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also have roles in lead hazard regulations, it is the EPA that specifically enforces the disclosure requirements directly related to tenant protection against lead hazards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration focus on different aspects of public health and worker safety, rather than tenant disclosure obligations regarding lead hazards.