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Philadelphia Management Co. settles lead-based paint violations at rental properties

Release Date: 04/18/2007
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-815-5543

PHILADELPHIA (April 18, 2007) – The Philadelphia Management Corporation has paid a civil penalty of $47,278 to settle alleged violations of federal lead-based paint disclosure requirements in 11 lease agreements involving rental units at two properties built before 1978 in Philadelphia. The company has also taken the necessary steps to comply with the EPA’s lead disclosure rule.

The Philadelphia Management Corporation failed to: provide renters with an EPA-approved lead information pamphlet; include in the leases a lead warning statement; disclose the presence of lead-based paint in the units; and comply with related certification requirements. These failures resulted in numerous violations of federal lead-based paint disclosure requirements.

"EPA’s goal is to ensure that renters and buyers receive adequate information necessary to protect public health, especially children’s health, from potential lead-based paint hazards," said Abraham Ferdas EPA’s director of waste and chemicals management.

An estimated three-quarters of housing in America built before 1978 contains some lead-based paint. Lead-based paint endangers the health of American children in as many as four million homes. Lead poisoning in children can have serious, long-term consequences including intelligence deficiencies, learning disabilities, hearing impairment, hyperactivity and behavioral problems. Children under six years of age are among the most vulnerable population to adverse health risks from lead-based paint and dust and soil contaminated with lead.

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act helps prevent exposure -- especially the exposure of children -- to hazards from lead-based paint by requiring disclosure and notification when selling or leasing housing. For additional information on lead in paint, dust and soil, see: https://www.epa.gov/lead/