A property owner is selling a house built before 1978 without knowledge of lead-based paint use. What must the seller provide?

The seller of a property built before 1978 is required to provide a lead-based paint disclosure. This requirement is a part of federal law under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which mandates that sellers disclose any known information concerning lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the home. The law recognizes that homes constructed prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and thus, sellers must inform potential buyers of the risks associated with lead exposure, particularly for young children and pregnant women.

By providing the disclosure, the seller also protects themselves from future liability related to lead-based paint violations. Buyers must be given an opportunity to review this disclosure, which often includes a pamphlet explaining lead hazards, so they can make informed decisions before finalizing the purchase. This process helps ensure awareness and safety regarding residential lead exposure risks.

In contrast, a waiver does not meet the legal requirements since the law specifies the need for disclosure rather than allowing sellers to opt out. Removal of lead-based paint before sale is not mandatory unless significant hazard is identified; hence it reflects an unnecessary burden on the seller. Lastly, stating that there are no requirements places the onus entirely on the family, contradicting the established legal obligations of the seller in such transactions.