When is this addendum required?

Use the addendum for residential properties built before 1978. Federal rules require disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards and delivery of the EPA/HUD pamphlet to buyers or tenants prior to executing a sale or lease.

Can the addendum be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic execution is acceptable under the ESIGN Act and UETA where adopted, provided the e-signature method captures intent and retention and produces an audit trail showing signer identity and timestamp.

What if an inspection later finds lead hazards?

If new information arises, amend the disclosure and provide the updated addendum and any inspection reports to all parties. Document amendments and retain copies with transaction records.

Do I need a notary or witnesses?

Typical lead-hazard addenda do not require notarization or witnesses. Check state or local real estate rules for uncommon jurisdictional requirements.

How long should I retain executed copies?

Keep executed copies for at least three years after the transaction; many organizations retain them seven years for real estate and tax contingencies. Verify state-specific retention rules where applicable.

What happens if disclosure was not made?

Failure to disclose can expose the seller or landlord to liability, potential rescission, remediation costs, or administrative penalties. Corrective measures include immediate disclosure, document amendment, and consultation with counsel.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum

Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum

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Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum

This Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum ("Addendum") is made part of and incorporated into the Purchase Agreement for the property identified below. Seller certifies and Buyer acknowledges the representations and disclosures set forth herein.

Party and Transaction Identification

Seller Name:

Buyer Name:

Property Address:

Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) / Parcel ID Legal Description

Disclosure of Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards

Is the dwelling known by Seller to contain lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards? Yes No

Was the property constructed prior to 1978? Yes No

Records and Reports

Seller has provided Buyer with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards pertaining to the Property: Yes No

If yes, list documents provided (reports, inspections, disclosures, dates)

Date of most recent lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment (if applicable):

Seller has provided the Buyer with the required federally approved lead hazard information pamphlet: Yes No

Buyer's Rights and Inspection Period

Buyer has the right to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards within days from the date of mutual acceptance of the Purchase Agreement.

If Buyer elects to conduct an inspection, Buyer shall deliver written notice of any objection together with copies of any report(s) to Seller within the inspection period. Seller shall have the right to cure any identified lead-based paint hazards prior to closing, to negotiate credit, or to proceed to closing with Buyer having acknowledged the hazard and provided with any available records.

Additional remarks or agreements regarding lead hazards (repairs, credits, escrow, etc.)

Seller's Representations

Seller represents, to the best of Seller's knowledge after reasonable inquiry, that the information in this Addendum is true and complete. Seller has disclosed all known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the Property and has delivered to Buyer all records and reports in Seller's possession or control pertaining to lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards.

Buyer's Acknowledgment and Certification

Buyer acknowledges receipt of the information in this Addendum and the federally approved lead hazard information pamphlet (if indicated above). Buyer acknowledges the opportunity to conduct such inspections and risk assessments as Buyer deems necessary and accepts responsibility to investigate the Property within the inspection period stated above.

Buyer certification: Buyer has received and reviewed the disclosures and elects to proceed under the terms set forth in this Addendum.

Remedies, Indemnity and Miscellaneous Provisions

Remedies: The parties' remedies for a material breach of this Addendum shall be as provided in the Purchase Agreement; provided, however, that if Seller knowingly makes a false representation regarding lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards, Buyer may pursue all remedies available at law or in equity, including rescission.

Indemnity: Seller shall defend, indemnify and hold Buyer harmless from and against any claims, liabilities, losses or expenses arising from Seller's failure to disclose known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards; Buyer shall indemnify Seller for claims arising from Buyer's negligent activities that create new lead hazards after Buyer's taking possession.

Governing Law: This Addendum shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Property is located, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Entire Agreement: This Addendum, together with the Purchase Agreement and any attachments referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to lead-based paint disclosures and supersedes prior representations and agreements on that subject.

Severability: If any provision of this Addendum is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Seller Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Buyer Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum Is and When It Applies

The Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum is a standardized addendum used in U.S. residential real estate transactions and leases to disclose known lead-based paint and related hazards for properties built before 1978. It documents whether the seller or landlord knows of lead paint or hazards, confirms delivery of the EPA/HUD lead pamphlet when required, and records any available inspection or testing reports. The addendum is typically attached to the sales contract or lease and may be executed on paper or electronically under federal and state e-signature laws.

Why the Addendum Matters for Transactions and Liability

The Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum creates a written record that a buyer or tenant received required lead-hazard information, reducing legal risk and ensuring federal disclosure obligations are met. Accurate disclosure supports informed decision-making and helps clarify remediation responsibilities if hazards are identified.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Addendum

Common participants include the seller or landlord, buyer or tenant, and the listing or leasing agent who facilitates delivery and acknowledgement.

Seller or Landlord — completes known-hazard fields and certifies accuracy before listing or lease execution.
Buyer or Tenant — receives disclosure, acknowledges receipt, and may request inspection or testing.
Real Estate or Leasing Agent — delivers EPA/HUD pamphlet and retains a copy for transaction records.

Essentials to Include in a Professional Addendum

A complete Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum combines factual property details, seller/landlord acknowledgements, disclosure of known hazards, record of deliveries (pamphlet and reports), inspection/test results if available, and signing blocks for all required parties.

Property Details

Full street address, unit number if any, city, state, and ZIP plus the property's year built to establish pre-1978 applicability.

Disclosure Statement

Clear statement whether the seller/landlord knows of lead-based paint or hazards and whether any inspections or treatments have been performed.

Pamphlet Delivery

Acknowledgement that the EPA/HUD pamphlet was provided or offered, and the date it was delivered to buyer/tenant.

Test/Report Attachments

Space to attach or reference lead inspection reports, risk assessments, or clearance documents and their dates.

Acknowledgements

Buyer/tenant and seller/landlord attestations, plus any agent certification confirming delivery of required materials.

Signature Blocks

Signature and date fields for all parties and a retained-copy statement confirming parties kept a copy of the addendum.

Required Information and Standard Fields

Property Address: Street, city, state, ZIP

Year Built: Four-digit year

Seller/Landlord: Full legal name

Buyer/Tenant: Full legal name

Known Hazards: Yes, No, or Unknown

Attachments: Inspection or test report names

Step-by-Step: Completing the Addendum

Follow these sequential steps to complete and retain a compliant Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum for sale or lease transactions.

01

1. Identify Property: Enter full address and year built to confirm applicability.
02

2. Disclose Knowledge: State whether any lead-based paint or hazards are known.
03

3. Provide Pamphlet: Record date the EPA/HUD pamphlet was given or offered.
04

4. Sign and Retain: All parties sign; keep copies in closing and lease files.

Where to Send and Who Keeps Copies

Distribution and retention steps clarify who receives the addendum and where copies belong in the transaction record.

Buyer/Tenant Copy: Provide a signed copy before or at signing.
Seller/Landlord Copy: Seller or landlord retains an executed copy for records.
Agent/Broker File: Listing or leasing agent keeps a transaction copy.
Closing/Lease Packet: Include in closing or lease documents retained by title or property manager.

Digital Signing and File Formats to Use

Use commonly accepted file formats and verifiable e-signature workflows to preserve the addendum's integrity and authenticity.

Formats: PDF or DOCX are standard and preserve layout
Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger signer verification
Integrations: Connect to CRM or closing platforms

Timing Rules and When Disclosure Must Happen

Provide disclosures at key transaction moments to meet federal expectations and to preserve buyer or tenant rights.

Before Agreement:

Deliver disclosure before the buyer/tenant is obligated to the contract or lease.

At Signing:

Include executed addendum in closing or lease signing packet.

During Due Diligence:

Buyer may request inspections during the inspection contingency period.

If New Info Emerges:

Amend and re-issue disclosure promptly upon discovering hazards.

Record Retention:

Retain executed addendum copies per organizational retention policy.

Key Transaction Milestones for the Addendum

Track these milestones from listing through post-closing to make sure disclosure obligations are met and recorded.

01

Listing/Lease Preparation

Prepare addendum and gather any existing test reports before marketing the property.

02

Offer and Acceptance

Confirm disclosure provided before buyer or tenant signs an offer or lease.

03

Closing or Lease Execution

Attach executed addendum to the final closing or lease documents.

04

Post-Closing Retention

Store executed copies in transaction file per retention policy.

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Failing to record the year built or using an approximate year, causing confusion about pre-1978 applicability.
Not attaching or referencing available inspection or testing reports, leaving the disclosure unsupported.
Handing the pamphlet but not documenting delivery date or recipient acknowledgement.
Allowing mismatched signer names or unsigned pages to remain in the executed file.

Consequences of Incomplete or Incorrect Disclosure

Civil Liability: Damage claims and remediation costs

Contract Rescission: Buyer may rescind transaction

Administrative Fines: Potential state or federal penalties

Closing Delays: Missing disclosure can hold up settlement

Increased Remediation: Undisclosed hazards raise cleanup costs

Reputational Risk: Loss of trust with buyers or tenants

eSignature Platform Pricing Snapshot for Signing Lead Hazard Addenda

Compare typical starting prices and capability flags for common eSignature vendors used to execute lead hazard disclosure addenda electronically.

	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	7-day free trial	Free trial available	Free trial available	Free trial available	Free plan available
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lead Hazard Disclosure Addendum

Answers to common questions about when to use, how to complete, and how to keep a defensible record of lead-hazard disclosures.

Need help? Contact support

When is this addendum required?
Use the addendum for residential properties built before 1978. Federal rules require disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards and delivery of the EPA/HUD pamphlet to buyers or tenants prior to executing a sale or lease.
Can the addendum be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic execution is acceptable under the ESIGN Act and UETA where adopted, provided the e-signature method captures intent and retention and produces an audit trail showing signer identity and timestamp.
What if an inspection later finds lead hazards?
If new information arises, amend the disclosure and provide the updated addendum and any inspection reports to all parties. Document amendments and retain copies with transaction records.
Do I need a notary or witnesses?
Typical lead-hazard addenda do not require notarization or witnesses. Check state or local real estate rules for uncommon jurisdictional requirements.
How long should I retain executed copies?
Keep executed copies for at least three years after the transaction; many organizations retain them seven years for real estate and tax contingencies. Verify state-specific retention rules where applicable.
What happens if disclosure was not made?
Failure to disclose can expose the seller or landlord to liability, potential rescission, remediation costs, or administrative penalties. Corrective measures include immediate disclosure, document amendment, and consultation with counsel.

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