The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Dwight RE, LLC to address lead paint exposure risks in New Haven, Connecticut. The agreement includes a civil penalty of $41,322 and mandates actions to protect residents in the company's properties from future exposure.
Dwight RE will now comply with federal lead paint disclosure regulations and adjust its online leasing practices. This change ensures tenants sign and date lead disclosure forms as legally required. Previously, tenants were signing leases without these essential forms.
An EPA inspection in August 2023 assessed Dwight RE's adherence to federal lead paint disclosure laws. The company manages 13 properties in New Haven, all constructed before 1978. Such buildings are classified as "target housing" under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) due to potential lead paint presence.
The EPA found that Dwight RE failed to provide tenants in eight apartments with an approved lead hazard information pamphlet before lease obligations commenced. Additionally, the company did not include or attach necessary disclosures about known lead-based paint hazards within lease contracts. During the investigation, it was noted that no children resided in the affected apartments.
Lead poisoning remains a significant risk for children, primarily from deteriorated or disturbed lead paint. Approximately 30% of U.S. homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint, posing ongoing exposure risks in various settings where such conditions exist.
Under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act and TSCA, the EPA inspects renovation sites and records of property managers and other stakeholders for compliance with environmental laws related to lead hazards.
Further information is available on EPA's enforcement efforts regarding lead laws and real estate disclosures about potential hazards.
