What Is a Lead Paint Disclosure in New Hampshire Real Estate?

🏡 What Is a Lead Paint Disclosure in New Hampshire Real Estate?

If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Wentworth, or anywhere in Central NH — and the home was built before 1978 — federal law requires something called a Lead Paint Disclosure.

Here’s what it is and why it’s important.

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What Is Lead-Based Paint?

Before 1978, many homes used paint containing lead.

Lead exposure can cause:

✔ Neurological issues

✔ Developmental delays in children

✔ Behavioral problems

✔ Serious long-term health risks

Because of this, the government banned residential lead paint in 1978.

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What Is a Lead Paint Disclosure?

A Lead Paint Disclosure is a legally required document that:

✔ Informs the buyer whether the seller has any knowledge of lead paint

✔ Includes any existing records or reports

✔ Notifies the buyer of their right to a lead inspection

✔ Must be signed by buyer, seller, and both agents

This is mandatory federal law for all homes built prior to 1978.

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When Is the Disclosure Required?

Lead paint disclosures are required when:

✔ The home was built before 1978

✔ You are buying a single-family home

✔ You are buying a multifamily building

✔ You are buying a condo or townhouse built pre-1978

They are not optional.

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Buyer Rights Under Federal Law

When a home may contain lead paint, buyers must receive:

✔ The Lead Paint Disclosure

✔ The EPA “Protect Your Family From Lead” booklet

✔ A 10-day opportunity to test for lead (unless waived)

The buyer may choose to:

✔ Conduct a lead inspection

✔ Conduct a lead risk assessment

✔ Waive their right to test (not recommended if children live in the home)

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Who Usually Tests for Lead in NH?

Most buyers test when:

The home is older

Children will be living there

There is visible peeling paint

The buyer plans major renovations

Renting the home out after purchase

Lead dust is the biggest risk — not just old paint chips.

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How Much Does Lead Testing Cost?

Typical costs in NH:

💰 $250–$600 for professional lead paint testing

💰 $400–$900 for full risk assessment

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If Lead Is Found, What Happens?

Finding lead does not kill the deal — it depends on severity and buyer plan.

Possible solutions:

✔ Seller repairs peeling/unsafe areas

✔ Buyer receives a credit

✔ Buyer mitigates after closing

✔ Seller reduces the price

✔ Buyer walks away (if within inspection period)

Lead is very common in older NH homes, especially in:

✔ Plymouth

✔ Ashland

✔ Rumney

✔ Warren

✔ Bristol

✔ Older Victorians throughout Grafton County

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Q&A

Q: Can I still buy a home with lead paint?

A: Absolutely — most pre-1978 homes still contain lead. The key is understanding where it is and ensuring peeling or damaged areas are made safe.

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Contact Information / NAP

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com