If you are a tenant residing in a house or an apartment built before 1978, you must be given lead hazard documents before signing a lease. You are also required by federal law to receive educational materials about lead and lead safety.
Linked below are two registries of NH properties which have receieved HUD funds to repair lead hazards.
Lead-Safe Housing Registry - Manchester, NH
Lead-Safe Housing Registry-NHHFA Statewide (Some Manchester)
Here Are Your Rights As A Tenant:
Right of Inspection
Federal Law: If you are a tenant living in federally owned or subsidized housing you have a right to live in a lead-free environment.The inspection and removal of all lead hazards in these housing units is required by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) under the Lead-Safe Housing Rule.
In Manchester, tenant resources can be found at the following agencies:
Rights Upon Moving In
Federal Law: Landlords and homeowners are required to tell prospective tenants or buyers about any known lead hazards before they agree to buy or rent any property built before 1978.They are also required to provide some sort of disclosure form which states that lead hazards may exist and if any are already known, where they are, as well as some sort of lead hazard information pamphlet such as the Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home. This law does not require homeowners or landlords to inspect the property.
Notifying Landlords About Possible Lead In The Home
If tenants see signs of lead hazards (chipping, peeling, or flaking paint, etc. ) they should notify their landlords or the property owner as soon as possible.
Federal Law: Property owners are required to give tenants a notice, asking them to report lead hazards (chipping, peeling, flaking or deteriorating paint, etc.) in federally owned or assisted housing unit(s) requiring ongoing lead-based paint maintenance.
Right Of Relocation During Lead Hazard Control
Federal Law: If a home is federally owned or receives any federal assistance (Section 8, tenant-based rental assistance or public housing for example) they must follow the federal regulations in HUD's Lead-Safe Housing Rule.
If A Landlord Won't Address A Lead Problem
If you are a tenant and feel your property owner or manager is not meeting the requirements of federal law, or any other local city or state laws, you should contact your local state public health department or local housing authority.
Tenants Doing Their Own Remodeling
Before beginning any remodeling work, it is very important to first get permission from your landlord or property manager. Tenants who plan on remodeling or repainting their unit should strongly consider hiring an EPA certified contractor. If you do plan to do your own remodeling or repainting project, follow the basic guidelines in the Renovate Right brochure.