SUBCHAPTER I—LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION

§4852. Grants for lead-based paint hazard reduction in target housing

(a) General authority

The Secretary is authorized to provide grants to eligible applicants to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards in housing that is not federally assisted housing, federally owned housing, or public housing, in accordance with the provisions of this section. Grants shall only be made under this section to provide assistance for housing which meets the following criteria—

(1) for grants made to assist rental housing, at least 50 percent of the units must be occupied by or made available to families with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income level and the remaining units shall be occupied or made available to families with incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income level, and in all cases the landlord shall give priority in renting units assisted under this section, for not less than 3 years following the completion of lead abatement activities, to families with a child under the age of six years, except that buildings with five or more units may have 20 percent of the units occupied by families with incomes above 80 percent of area median income level;

(2) for grants made to assist housing owned by owner-occupants, all units assisted with grants under this section shall be the principal residence of families with income at or below 80 percent of the area median income level, and not less than 90 percent of the units assisted with grants under this section shall be occupied by a child under the age of six years or shall be units where a child under the age of six years spends a significant amount of time visiting; and

(3) notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), Round II grantees who receive assistance under this section may use such assistance for priority housing.

(b) Eligible applicants

A State or unit of local government that has an approved comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 12705 of this title is eligible to apply for a grant under this section.

(c) Form of applications

To receive a grant under this section, a State or unit of local government shall submit an application in such form and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe. An application shall contain—

(1) a copy of that portion of an applicant's comprehensive housing affordability strategy required by section 12705(b)(16) ¹ of this title;

(2) a description of the amount of assistance the applicant seeks under this section;

(3) a description of the planned activities to be undertaken with grants under this section, including an estimate of the amount to be allocated to each activity;

(4) a description of the forms of financial assistance to owners and occupants of housing that will be provided through grants under this section; and

(5) such assurances as the Secretary may require regarding the applicant's capacity to carry out the activities.

(d) Selection criteria

The Secretary shall award grants under this section on the basis of the merit of the activities proposed to be carried out and on the basis of selection criteria, which shall include—

(1) the extent to which the proposed activities will reduce the risk of lead-based paint poisoning to children under the age of 6 who reside in housing;

(2) the degree of severity and extent of lead-based paint hazards in the jurisdiction to be served;

(3) the ability of the applicant to leverage State, local, and private funds to supplement the grant under this section;

(4) the ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed activities; and

(5) such other factors as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure that grants made available under this section are used effectively and to promote the purposes of this chapter.

(e) Eligible activities

A grant under this section may be used to—

(1) perform risk assessments and inspections in housing;

(2) provide for the interim control of lead-based paint hazards in housing;

(3) provide for the abatement of lead-based paint hazards in housing;

(4) provide for the additional cost of reducing lead-based paint hazards in units undergoing renovation funded by other sources;

(5) ensure that risk assessments, inspections, and abatements are carried out by certified contractors in accordance with section 2682 of title 15;

(6) monitor the blood-lead levels of workers involved in lead hazard reduction activities funded under this section;

(7) assist in the temporary relocation of families forced to vacate housing while lead hazard reduction measures are being conducted;

(8) educate the public on the nature and causes of lead poisoning and measures to reduce exposure to lead, including exposure due to residential lead-based paint hazards;

(9) test soil, interior surface dust, and the blood-lead levels of children under the age of 6 residing in housing after lead-based paint hazard reduction activity has been conducted, to assure that such activity does not cause excessive exposures to lead; and

(10) carry out such other activities that the Secretary determines appropriate to promote the purposes of this chapter.

(f) Forms of assistance

The applicant may provide the services described in this section through a variety of programs, including grants, loans, equity investments, revolving loan funds, loan funds, loan guarantees, interest write-downs, and other forms of assistance approved by the Secretary.

(g) Technical assistance and capacity building

(1) In general

The Secretary shall develop the capacity of eligible applicants to carry out the requirements of section 12705(b)(16) ¹ of this title and to carry out activities under this section. In fiscal years 1993 and 1994, the Secretary may make grants of up to $200,000 for the purpose of establishing State training, certification or accreditation programs that meet the requirements of section 2682 of title 15.

(2) Set-aside

Of the total amount approved in appropriation Acts under subsection (o), there shall be set aside to carry out this subsection $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1993 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1994.

(h) Matching requirement

Each recipient of a grant under this section shall make contributions toward the cost of activities that receive assistance under this section in an amount not less than 10 percent of the total grant amount under this section.

(i) Prohibition of substitution of funds

Grants under this subchapter may not be used to replace other amounts made available or designated by State or local governments for use for the purposes under this subchapter.

(j) Limitation on use

An applicant shall ensure that not more than 10 percent of the grant will be used for administrative expenses associated with the activities funded.

(k) Financial records

An applicant shall maintain and provide the Secretary with financial records sufficient, in the determination of the Secretary, to ensure proper accounting and disbursing of amounts received from a grant under this section.

(l) Report

An applicant under this section shall submit to the Secretary, for any fiscal year in which the applicant expends grant funds under this section, a report that—

(1) describes the use of the amounts received;

(2) states the number of risk assessments and the number of inspections conducted in residential dwellings;

(3) states the number of residential dwellings in which lead-based paint hazards have been reduced through interim controls;

(4) states the number of residential dwellings in which lead-based paint hazards have been abated; and

(5) provides any other information that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(m) Notice of Funding Availability

The Secretary shall publish a Notice of Funding Availability pursuant to this section not later than 120 days after funds are appropriated for this section.

(n) Relationship to other law

Effective 2 years after the date of promulgation of regulations under section 2682 of title 15, no grants for lead-based paint hazard evaluation or reduction may be awarded to a State under this section unless such State has an authorized program under section 2684 of title 15.

(o) Environmental review

(1) In general

For purposes of environmental review, decisionmaking, and action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, a grant under this section shall be treated as assistance under the HOME Investment Partnership ² Act, established under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act [42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.], and shall be subject to the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to implement section 288 of such Act [42 U.S.C. 12838].

(2) Applicability

This subsection shall apply to—

(A) grants awarded under this section; and

(B) grants awarded to States and units of general local government for the abatement of significant lead-based paint and lead dust hazards in low- and moderate-income owner-occupied units and low-income privately owned rental units pursuant to title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992 (Public Law 102–139, 105 Stat. 736).

(p) Authorization of appropriations

For the purposes of carrying out this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1993 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1994.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1011, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3901; Pub. L. 103–233, title III, §305(a), Apr. 11, 1994, 108 Stat. 370; Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(e) [title II, §217], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–257, 1321-290; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 12705(b)(16) of this title, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1) and (g)(1), probably means section 12705(b)(16) relating to housing units that contain lead-based paint hazards which was redesignated section 12705(b)(17) by Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §583(5)(B), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2644.

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d)(5), (e)(10), and (p), was in the original "this Act", meaning title X of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3897, known as the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4851 of this title and Tables.

This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (i), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle A of title X of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3901, which enacted this subchapter and amended sections 1437f, 1437aaa–1, 1437aaa–2, 1471, 4822, 5305, 12705, 12742, 12872, 12873, 12892, and 12893 of this title and sections 1703, 1709, and 1715l of Title 12, Banks and Banking.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (o)(1), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of this title and Tables.

The Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, referred to in subsec. (o)(1), is Pub. L. 101–625, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4079. Title II of the Act, known as the HOME Investment Partnerships Act, is classified principally to subchapter II (§12721 et seq.) of chapter 130 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12701 of this title and Tables.

The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992, referred to in subsec. (o)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 102–139, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 736. Title II of the Act relates to appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–134, §101(e) [title II, §217], substituted "hazards in housing" for "hazards in priority housing" and inserted at end "Grants shall only be made under this section to provide assistance for housing which meets the following criteria—" and pars. (1) to (3).

Subsecs. (c)(4), (d)(1), (e)(1) to (3), (7), (9). Pub. L. 104–134, §101(e) [title II, §217(a)], substituted "housing" for "priority housing".

1994—Subsecs. (o), (p). Pub. L. 103–233 added subsec. (o) and redesignated former subsec. (o) as (p).

¹ See References in Text note below.

² So in original. Probably should be "Partnerships".

§4852a. Task force on lead-based paint hazard reduction and financing

(a) In general

The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall establish a task force to make recommendations on expanding resources and efforts to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards in private housing.

(b) Membership

The task force shall include individuals representing the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Farmers Home Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Environmental Protection Agency, employee organizations in the building and construction trades industry, landlords, tenants, primary lending institutions, private mortgage insurers, single-family and multifamily real estate interests, nonprofit housing developers, property liability insurers, public housing agencies, low-income housing advocacy organizations, national, State and local lead-poisoning prevention advocates and experts, and community-based organizations located in areas with substantial rental housing.

(c) Responsibilities

The task force shall make recommendations to the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency concerning—

(1) incorporating the need to finance lead-based paint hazard reduction into underwriting standards;

(2) developing new loan products and procedures for financing lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction activities;

(3) adjusting appraisal guidelines to address lead safety;

(4) incorporating risk assessments or inspections for lead-based paint as a routine procedure in the origination of new residential mortgages;

(5) revising guidelines, regulations, and educational pamphlets issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other Federal agencies relating to lead-based paint poisoning prevention;

(6) reducing the current uncertainties of liability related to lead-based paint in rental housing by clarifying standards of care for landlords and lenders, and by exploring the "safe harbor" concept;

(7) increasing the availability of liability insurance for owners of rental housing and certified contractors and establishing alternative systems to compensate victims of lead-based paint poisoning; and

(8) evaluating the utility and appropriateness of requiring risk assessments or inspections and notification to prospective lessees of rental housing.

(d) Compensation

The members of the task force shall not receive Federal compensation for their participation.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1015, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3908.)

§4852b. National consultation on lead-based paint hazard reduction

In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary shall consult on an ongoing basis with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, other Federal agencies concerned with lead poisoning prevention, and the task force established pursuant to section 4852a of this title.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1016, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3909.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning title X of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3897, known as the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4851 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Centers for Disease Control changed to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by Pub. L. 102–531, title III, §312, Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3504.

§4852c. Guidelines for lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction activities

Not later than 12 months after October 28, 1992, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control), shall issue guidelines for the conduct of federally supported work involving risk assessments, inspections, interim controls, and abatement of lead-based paint hazards. Such guidelines shall be based upon criteria that measure the condition of the housing (and the presence of children under age 6 for the purposes of risk assessments) and shall not be based upon criteria that measure the health of the residents of the housing.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1017, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3909.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Centers for Disease Control changed to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by Pub. L. 102–531, title III, §312, Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3504.

§4852d. Disclosure of information concerning lead upon transfer of residential property

(a) Lead disclosure in purchase and sale or lease of target housing

(1) Lead-based paint hazards

Not later than 2 years after October 28, 1992, the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall promulgate regulations under this section for the disclosure of lead-based paint hazards in target housing which is offered for sale or lease. The regulations shall require that, before the purchaser or lessee is obligated under any contract to purchase or lease the housing, the seller or lessor shall—

(A) provide the purchaser or lessee with a lead hazard information pamphlet, as prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 406 of the Toxic Substances Control Act [15 U.S.C. 2686];

(B) disclose to the purchaser or lessee the presence of any known lead-based paint, or any known lead-based paint hazards, in such housing and provide to the purchaser or lessee any lead hazard evaluation report available to the seller or lessor; and

(C) permit the purchaser a 10-day period (unless the parties mutually agree upon a different period of time) to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint hazards.

(2) Contract for purchase and sale

Regulations promulgated under this section shall provide that every contract for the purchase and sale of any interest in target housing shall contain a Lead Warning Statement and a statement signed by the purchaser that the purchaser has—

(A) read the Lead Warning Statement and understands its contents;

(B) received a lead hazard information pamphlet; and

(C) had a 10-day opportunity (unless the parties mutually agreed upon a different period of time) before becoming obligated under the contract to purchase the housing to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint hazards.

(3) Contents of lead warning statement

The Lead Warning Statement shall contain the following text printed in large type on a separate sheet of paper attached to the contract:

"Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavioral problems, and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the seller's possession and notify the buyer of any known lead-based paint hazards. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead-based paint hazards is recommended prior to purchase.".

(4) Compliance assurance

Whenever a seller or lessor has entered into a contract with an agent for the purpose of selling or leasing a unit of target housing, the regulations promulgated under this section shall require the agent, on behalf of the seller or lessor, to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.

(5) Promulgation

A suit may be brought against the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 20 of the Toxic Substances Control Act [15 U.S.C. 2619] to compel promulgation of the regulations required under this section and the Federal district court shall have jurisdiction to order such promulgation.

(b) Penalties for violations

(1) Monetary penalty

Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this section shall be subject to civil money penalties in accordance with the provisions of section 3545 of this title.

(2) Action by Secretary

The Secretary is authorized to take such lawful action as may be necessary to enjoin any violation of this section.

(3) Civil liability

Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this section shall be jointly and severally liable to the purchaser or lessee in an amount equal to 3 times the amount of damages incurred by such individual.

(4) Costs

In any civil action brought for damages pursuant to paragraph (3), the appropriate court may award court costs to the party commencing such action, together with reasonable attorney fees and any expert witness fees, if that party prevails.

(5) Prohibited act

It shall be a prohibited act under section 409 of the Toxic Substances Control Act [15 U.S.C. 2689] for any person to fail or refuse to comply with a provision of this section or with any rule or order issued under this section. For purposes of enforcing this section under the Toxic Substances Control Act [15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.], the penalty for each violation applicable under section 16 of that Act [15 U.S.C. 2615] shall not be more than $10,000.

(c) Validity of contracts and liens

Nothing in this section shall affect the validity or enforceability of any sale or contract for the purchase and sale or lease of any interest in residential real property or any loan, loan agreement, mortgage, or lien made or arising in connection with a mortgage loan, nor shall anything in this section create a defect in title.

(d) Effective date

The regulations under this section shall take effect 3 years after October 28, 1992.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1018, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3910.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Toxic Substances Control Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(5), is Pub. L. 94–469, Oct. 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 2003, which is classified generally to chapter 53 (§2601 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 15 and Tables.