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Health Hazards Of Lead Based Paint

Posted in Uncategorized | August 27th, 2011

Oil Based Paint – Must Landlord Repaint Unit?

I live in Los Angeles Co. and have resided in the same Apt. for over 7 years. The paint that was used to paint my apt. before I moved in was oil-based, which contains lead. Now, I understand that only water-based paints are allowed. Some of the paint is chipping and peeling, which could pose a health hazard. On this basis, do I have a Legal Right to have my apt. repainted at the Landlord’s expense ? I will call Los Angeles Housing Dept. tomorrow to confirm.

Thank You

Lead was outlawed from residential paint in 1978. Most paint companies removed the lead from their paints long before that. Oil base paint has not been outlawed but new restrictions on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have forced most oil base paints off the market. Unless it’s an old apartment with lead paint there are no health issues to make your landlord responsible. After 7 years things like paint should be done as part of normal building maintenance. Tenants like you who stay in the same apartment for many years are a landlord’s dream. Let him know about the paint and ask for a new paint job. Most apartments are painted every few years between tenants. Yours hasn’t.