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Scranton Landlord Settles EPA Complaints Over Failure to Notify Tenants of Lead-based Paint Hazards

Release Date: 9/9/2003
Contact Information: Patrick Boyle, 215-814-5533

Patrick Boyle, 215-814-5533

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled with P.C.R. Company (PCR) of Scranton, Pa. over alleged violations of a federal law requiring disclosure of lead-based paint hazard information to residential tenants.

In a consent agreement with EPA, PCR agreed to pay a $3,000 penalty for allegedly failing to provide required disclosure of lead-based paint hazard information and notifications to four tenants residing in two building at the 1600 block of Capouse Avenue in Scranton.

EPA cited PCR for violating the lead disclosure requirements of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act. The lead disclosure rule requires sellers and landlords of residential housing built before 1978 to disclose to purchasers and tenants the presence of known lead-based paint hazards (or lack of knowledge of hazards). Landlords must provide a lead hazard information pamphlet; provide a standard warning statement in the lease on the dangers of lead-based paint; provide purchasers with a 10-day opportunity to conduct a lead-based paint inspection; and include disclosure and acknowledgment language in sales contracts and leases.

According to EPA, PCR did not provide the required lead hazard information and lead hazard disclosures in four leases signed in 1997 and 1998. Inspection reports showed that high levels of lead-based paint existed in common areas of one of the buildings.

As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations.

EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are cooperating in a nationwide effort to protect tenants and homeowners from the health risks of lead-based paint. High blood levels of lead can cause permanent damage to the nervous system and widespread health problems, such as a reduced intelligence and attention span, hearing loss, stunted growth, reading and learning problems and behavioral difficulties. Young children are particularly vulnerable to these adverse health effects.

For more information on lead in paint, dust and soil, and the Lead Disclosure Rule, please visit https://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/index.html.