Section 8 Inspection – Lead Based Paint
A section 8 inspection can be a bit of pain. And the biggest pain can be lead paint. Let’s cover this regulation for today. Basically if your tenant has any kids under 6 yrs old, you cannot have any peeling or chipping paint anywhere. So it’s tough. Some inspectors can be very picky and check every nook and cranny. Some just glance over a nice paint job and see that it’s well done and pass it. However if they discover a lot of chipping paint, they have the right to order a lead based paint test, which can be very annoying. Then you basically have to hire a certified lead based paint tester have them swipe the rooms they requested and fax in the results. You don’t want to go there. So whatever you do, paint well and you won’t run into trouble.
Here are some areas they check for chipping paint where you may not have noticed it:
- The corners of closet / entry doors where they contact the posts
- Painted stairs
- Window sills (OH BIG TIME)
So since my granddaughter is 4 will the Section 8 inspector approve a house with no chips or exposed areas. It sounds as if they would.
I tried to rent an apt built before 1978 and it was rejected because of her age and the out side of the building had lead paint. I was told not to go for anything prior to 78 at all. That was two years ago.
In looking at a house that’s older but the paint job is excellent.
It has other negative issues as in area and maybe mice/rats. But I’m so tired of apt neighbors id almost be up for pitching a tent again if that for the baby.
It sounds like it is really important to be sure that your paint is all in good order. Since the lead paint can be so harmful to kids, I am sure that it is very necessary to keep things clean and in good condition. I would like to get my own home inspected for lead based paint since it is older. I want to be sure that my kids are safe and won’t get lead poisoning. Thanks for the great post!
I just got my rrp certifcate, and im looking to start doing some work in New York. What things do I need to get, and how do I get some business started and how do I get my name out there?
I would check landlord ads that appeal to section 8 renters and then call them to see if they need abatement services.
Are you able to email me the guidelines to preparing for
section 8 inspections
I would look up Chac inspection guidelines on google. That will give you a good list.
All houses prior to 1978 were painted with lead based
paint. Most people are aware of the danger paint chip pose to young
children if they put them in their mouths ie/ brain damage..You
can’t remove it or sand it because it creates more of a problem.To
smooth, spackle instead and seal it with fresh paint. I’ve heard
that even the children of non section 8 bearing vouchers might
suffer similar adverse effects if exposed. Therefore, It’s
negligent for any landlord to rent a place with peeling paint to a
family with young children. Do the right thing.
It is just part of the burocracy. Of all the Lead Base tests I had to run for Section 8 inspections, never failed. Being my oldest property built in 1889 and the newest in 1972. But I guess it’s better safe than sorry. But it is not negligence. You know it is wasted time and money.
if no lead based paint is found do you still have to paint the area in question?
Yes. And it’s not based on any rationale.