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NY Rental Company Faces $140,000 in Fines in Lead-Paint Case

Monday, March 19, 2012

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A rental management company based in Rome, N.Y. faces more than $140,000 in potential fines for allegedly not informing residents of its buildings about potential lead-based paint in their apartments.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 office claims that CRM Rental Management Inc., failed to properly inform residents about the lead-based paint in 43 instances in four buildings the company manages in New Hartford and Rome, N.Y.

Established in 1971, the company owns at least 35 properties throughout New York, according to its website.

EPA regulations require real estate management companies and property owners that sell or rent housing built before 1978 to provide renters or buyers with a form that contains a warning about the dangers of lead-based paint and discloses information about its presence.

The complaint against CRM Rental Management alleges that the company failed to provide residents with lead-based paint warning and disclosure statements, making them aware of records or reports that would alert them to potential lead-based paint hazards, and also failed to secure required signatures verifying that the required information was received.

“Lead paint is a serious threat to children’s health and disclosure can arm families with information they need to protect their kids,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA regional administrator.

“Rental agents, property managers and building owners are required to follow EPA lead paint disclosure requirements and make sure people are aware of potential lead hazards in homes.”

The EPA estimates that three-quarters of U.S. residential dwellings built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint.

People renting or buying an apartment or home must verify that they received the required warning and disclosure information, including the EPA pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, EPA said. In addition, prospective purchasers have a 10-day opportunity to assess the property for risks for the presence of lead-based paint.

CRM Rental Management Inc. did not return Durability + Design’s requests for comment.

More information: www.epa.gov/lead and National Lead Information Center Hotline: 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Comment from Catherine Brooks, (3/20/2012, 11:15 AM)

Despite the majority of press stating the EPA will not have funding to do inspections and citations on violations, your articles show the action is in force.

Comment from John Drengacz, (3/20/2012, 4:20 PM)

This is the type of agency and the work they do that one ofour political parties wants to do away with. Think about it. we need this type of service.