U.S. EPA settles with San Diego property manager over lead-based paint violations Terms include $216,664 in lead paint removal and $31,000 fine

LOS ANGELES – Under the terms of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sunview Properties must spend $216,664 in lead paint removal and pay a $31,000 fine over alleged violations of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act in connection with the leasing of 25 rental units located in San Diego, Calif.

The two residential rental properties with the most lead paint disclosure violations are at 2860 "B" Street and 2610 "C" Street in San Diego. Sunview Properties failed to provide EPA-approved lead information pamphlet to renters, include a lead warning statement in leases, identify any records available regarding lead-based paint in the units, and obtain signatures and dates from renters confirming they had received the materials, violating federal lead-based paint disclosure laws.

“EPA encourages this commitment by Sunview Properties to remove lead-based paint at its residential properties,” said Nathan Lau, associate director of the EPA’s Communities and Ecosystems Division for the Pacific Southwest region. "This work will ensure that children who live at these buildings are not exposed to lead-based paint hazards in the future.”

For the lead removal project, Sunview Properties agreed to identify lead-based paint at residential rental properties it owns and manages and remove all lead identified in order to certify the property as “lead free” with the State of California.

An estimated three-quarters of the U.S. housing stock built before 1978 contains some lead-based paint. Lead poisoning in children can have serious, long-term consequences including learning disabilities, hearing impairment, and behavioral problems. Children under six years of age are among the most vulnerable to adverse health risks from lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards such as dust and contaminated soil.

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act requires that persons and entities who sell or rent housing built constructed before 1978:
• provide an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet;
• include lead notification language in sales and rental forms;
• disclose any known lead-based paint hazards and provide reports to buyers or renters;
• allow a lead inspection or risk assessment by home buyers; and
• maintain records certifying compliance with applicable federal requirements for three years.