Do I always need to disclose lead?

Yes for target housing built before 1978 or when you have knowledge of lead-based paint hazards; federal HUD/EPA disclosure rules apply and local ordinances may add obligations.

Can the form be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures that meet the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and any applicable state UETA requirements are valid if consent and retention are documented.

Is notarization required?

Not typically required for the disclosure itself. Notarization may be necessary for attached affidavits or state-specific acknowledgements — verify local requirements.

How long should I keep signed copies?

Retain signed disclosures and supporting records for at least three years after the transaction; longer retention may apply for tax or property records.

What records should be attached?

Include inspection reports, test results, renovation records, and any contractor lead-safe work practice certifications that substantiate the disclosure statements.

What if I discover lead after signing?

Document the new information, notify affected parties promptly, and consult counsel about corrective disclosures or remediation obligations under federal or state law.

Electronic Signature
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California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

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Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Sales)

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

WARNING! LEAD FROM PAINT, DUST, AND SOIL CAN BE DANGEROUS
IF NOT MANAGED PROPERLY

Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards

Lead Warning Statement

Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavioral problems, and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The Seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the Seller's possession and notify the buyer of any known lead-based paint hazards. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead-based paint hazards is recommended prior to purchase.

Seller's Disclosure

(a) Presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards (check (i) or (ii) below):

(i) Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are present in the housing (explain).

(ii) Seller has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.

(b) Records and reports available to the seller (check (i) or (ii) below):

(i) Seller has provided the purchaser with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing (list documents below).

(ii) Seller has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.

Purchaser's Acknowledgment (initial)

(c) Purchaser has received copies of all information listed above.

(d) Purchaser has received the pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.

(e) Purchaser has (check (i) or (ii) below):

(i) Received a 10-day opportunity (or mutually agreed upon period) to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards; or

(ii) Waived the opportunity to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.

Agent's Acknowledgment (initial)

(f) Agent has informed the seller of the seller' obligations under 42 U.S.C. 4852(d) and is aware of his/her responsibility to ensure compliance.

Seller Initials:

Buyer Initials:

Agent Initials:

Certification of Accuracy for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

The following parties have reviewed the information above and certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the information they have provided is true and accurate. Penalties for failure to comply with Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Laws include treble (3 times) damages, attorney fees, costs, and a penalty up to $10,000 for each violation.

Seller

Date

Buyer

Date

Seller

Date

Buyer

Date

Seller's Agent (if any)

Date

Buyer's Agent (if any)

Date

What the California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Is

The California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure is a written disclosure provided to buyers or renters of target housing that notifies occupants about known lead-based paint hazards and available records for properties built before 1978. It implements federal lead disclosure requirements for residential real estate transactions alongside California-specific consumer-protection expectations. The form documents what the seller or lessor knows about lead paint, provides EPA/HUD pamphlet acknowledgement where required, and creates a record that the disclosure was provided prior to contract execution or occupancy.

Why this disclosure matters for California property transactions

The disclosure protects occupants and limits liability by ensuring informed consent about lead hazards; it also aligns the transaction with federal HUD/EPA rules and state consumer-protection norms. Proper use reduces regulatory risk and supports clear title and leasing records.

Who completes and receives this disclosure

The disclosure is completed by the seller or landlord and shared with prospective buyers or tenants before a lease or sale is finalized.

Real estate agents and brokers — deliver disclosures and retain copies for transaction files.
Sellers and landlords — disclose known lead information and attach supporting records.
Buyers and renters — receive the disclosure to evaluate lead hazards before closing or move-in.

Parties should retain a signed copy to document compliance and to support any future due‑diligence or remediation follow-up.

Step-by-step: completing the California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Follow these steps to complete and deliver the disclosure accurately and in compliance with federal and state expectations.

01

1. Identify property: Enter full address and year built; confirm pre-1978 status.
02

2. Gather records: Collect inspection, testing, or renovation history if available.
03

3. Complete form: Answer known-condition questions and list documents attached.
04

4. Deliver and retain: Give buyer/tenant signed copy before contract signing or occupancy.

Key elements included in a professional disclosure package

A complete disclosure package combines factual answers, supporting records, and clear signer identification so recipients can assess lead risks and remediation history.

Property Identification

Full address, parcel or unit number where applicable, and year of construction to establish applicability for pre-1978 rules.

Lead Knowledge Statement

A concise declaration of whether the seller/landlord knows of lead-based paint or hazards and a short description if present.

Inspection / Test Records

Summaries of inspection or lead test results, dates, laboratory names, and copies of reports attached as exhibits.

Renovation History

Detail any renovations affecting painted surfaces, including dates, contractor names, and whether lead-safe work practices were used.

Acknowledgment

Signature and date by buyer/tenant acknowledging receipt; indicate how notice was delivered (electronic, in-person, mailed).

Agent Contact

Name and contact information for the listing agent or property manager who facilitated delivery and answered questions.

Required legal and document controls

ESIGN / UETA: Applicable

Audit Trail: Recommended

Retention Policy: 3+ years suggested

Encryption: TLS / AES

HIPAA BAA: Only if PHI present

File Formats: PDF / DOCX

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Failing to confirm the property year built and applying the disclosure rules incorrectly, which can lead to regulatory exposure.
Omitting attached inspection or renovation records when they exist, undermining the completeness of the disclosure package.
Using ambiguous language such as 'appears safe' rather than clear statements about known testing or absence of information.
Delivering the disclosure after contract execution or occupancy, which can void the intended notice protections.

Penalties and legal risks from incorrect or missing disclosures

Civil Liability: Damages for nondisclosure

Contract Rescission: Buyer may rescind sale or lease

Regulatory Fines: Federal HUD/EPA penalties possible

Remediation Costs: Seller may bear cleanup expense

Closing Delays: Title or escrow holdbacks

Reputation Risk: Agent or owner liability

Where to deliver the California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Understand destination options and preserve proof of delivery to demonstrate compliance with timing requirements.

To Buyer/Tenant: Provide signed copy before contract or occupancy.
To Agent: Keep a copy in the transaction file.
To Escrow/Closing: Include with closing documents when applicable.
Recordkeeping: Retain signed disclosures and attachments securely.

Digital workflow settings for online completion

Configure a workflow that captures consent, identity, and retention while preserving an auditable record of delivery and signature.

Field	Configuration
Delivery Method	Email link or secure portal
Signer Authentication	Email + optional SMS code
Attachments	Permit PDF upload for test results
Retention	Store signed PDF with audit trail

Electronic delivery and signing considerations

Ensure any eSignature platform you use supports ESIGN/UETA-compliant consent, an audit trail, and secure storage.

File formats: PDF, DOCX supported
Integrations: CRM and storage links
Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA

Maintain exportable signed copies and an audit trail for each transaction; verify the platform meets any industry compliance requirements before use.

eSignature vendor comparison for completing the disclosure

Compare common vendor features and pricing to choose a platform that supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, audit trails, and secure storage.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day trial	Yes, trial available	Yes, trial available	Yes, trial available	Yes, trial available
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Real-world examples of disclosure use

These examples show how different parties rely on the disclosure in practical scenarios.

Agent Closing Scenario

A listing agent prepares the disclosure and attaches a home inspection report

Buyer reviews report before final walk-through
Signed disclosure is kept in escrow and reduces follow-up litigation risk for the agent by documenting delivery and receipt.

Rental Turnover Scenario

A property manager uses a digital workflow to deliver the disclosure during tenant onboarding

Tenants sign electronically before move-in
Manager retains PDFs with audit trails to comply with local housing authority inquiries and to streamline renewals.

Frequently asked questions about the California Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Answers to common questions about when to disclose, acceptable signature methods, and recordkeeping best practices.

Need help? Contact support

Do I always need to disclose lead?
Yes for target housing built before 1978 or when you have knowledge of lead-based paint hazards; federal HUD/EPA disclosure rules apply and local ordinances may add obligations.
Can the form be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures that meet the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and any applicable state UETA requirements are valid if consent and retention are documented.
Is notarization required?
Not typically required for the disclosure itself. Notarization may be necessary for attached affidavits or state-specific acknowledgements — verify local requirements.
How long should I keep signed copies?
Retain signed disclosures and supporting records for at least three years after the transaction; longer retention may apply for tax or property records.
What records should be attached?
Include inspection reports, test results, renovation records, and any contractor lead-safe work practice certifications that substantiate the disclosure statements.
What if I discover lead after signing?
Document the new information, notify affected parties promptly, and consult counsel about corrective disclosures or remediation obligations under federal or state law.

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