If a lead inspection comes back positive for elevated lead levels, is the seller obligated to remove the lead?

When a lead inspection reveals elevated lead levels, the seller has specific legal obligations under the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act and similar state laws. These regulations mandate that sellers must disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide a lead hazard information pamphlet to potential buyers. If a property is found to have elevated lead levels, the seller is required to take action to remediate these hazards to protect the health and safety of occupants, particularly children who are most vulnerable to lead poisoning.

Correctly identifying the seller's obligation to remove lead hazards ensures compliance with the protective laws designed to mitigate the risks associated with lead exposure. This responsibility highlights the importance of lead safety in residential real estate transactions, emphasizing that the seller must address the issue regardless of the property type or any requests from the buyer.