Earth Day, lead paint and new EPA rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created as a result of the first Earth Day 40 years ago and today, new rules on renovation, repair and painting (RRP) take effect. These rules will potentially affect approximately 25 percent of all homes for sale in Charleston today (2504 of 10,110 active listings in the Charleston MLS were built prior to 1978).
From the Washington Post, "Hiring someone to renovate your older home is about to become more complicated and expensive. Starting on Earth Day, April 22, contractors working on almost all homes built before 1978 must prove they have the Environmental Protection Agency's stamp of approval to do the work - or face fines of up to $37,500 a day."
The new work practice standards for remodelers of older homes is an effort to reduce lead paint exposure particularly among children. The new standards will extend to contractors working in all rental housing built before 1978 and older non-rental homes inhabited by children under age 6 and pregnant women.
In my real estate career, buyers generally haven't paid very much attention to lead paint disclosure (unless they had young children) but you can expect that to change beginning now for anyone who owns or is thinking about owning an older home in Charleston.
The EPA rules for renovation, repair and painting (RRP)
FAQ from the EPA
Of course this is a serious subject but on a lighter note,
I wonder if the economy may get a boost by hiring the new "paint police" 