Is a disclosure required for all properties?

If the residential property was built before 1978, federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure. Newer properties generally do not trigger the federal disclosure obligation.

Can the disclosure be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are present.

What if no inspection report is available?

Indicate that no inspection report exists and provide the buyer/tenant with the EPA/HUD brochure. Offer to obtain testing if requested, and document any follow-up communications.

Do local laws add requirements?

Some states and municipalities impose additional registration, remediation, or notification requirements. Check local housing or public health agencies for specific obligations.

Is notarization required for the disclosure?

Not typically required by federal lead law, but some transactions or lender requirements may request notarized acknowledgments; follow contract or lender instructions.

How long should I keep signed disclosures?

Retain signed disclosures with transaction records for at least three to seven years depending on risk and local rules; longer retention may be prudent for liability protection.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Real Estate Lead Law Disclosure

Real Estate Lead Law Disclosure

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

REAL ESTATE LEAD LAW DISCLOSURE

Lead Warning Statement

Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not properly managed or abated. Seller/Landlord must disclose any known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the property and provide available records and reports. Buyer/Tenant must acknowledge receipt of any such records and reports and is entitled to conduct a risk assessment or inspection within the inspection period provided below.

Property Identification

Property Address Unit / Apartment Number (if applicable) Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

Parties

Seller / Landlord Name Seller / Landlord Contact Address Seller / Landlord Phone Buyer / Tenant Name Buyer / Tenant Contact Address Buyer / Tenant Phone

Seller's Disclosure of Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards

Presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards (check one): Yes No Unknown

If any lead-based paint or hazards are known, describe location(s), type of hazard, and dates of any testing or remediation

Records and reports available to the Seller (check all that apply): Lead inspection report Risk assessment report Other records (describe below) None available

If Other, describe records or reports provided

Seller certifies, to the best of Seller's knowledge, the information provided above is true and accurate. Seller further certifies that any available records and reports identified above have been provided to Buyer/Tenant.

Buyer / Tenant Acknowledgments and Election

Receipt of pamphlet titled Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home: Yes No

Buyer has the following inspection period to conduct a lead-based paint risk assessment or inspection (enter number of days or check waiver): days Buyer waives inspection

Buyer acknowledges receipt of any records and reports indicated above: Yes No

Remedies, Access and Responsibilities

Unless otherwise agreed in the purchase and sale or lease agreement, Seller/Landlord is responsible for disclosing known lead hazards and providing available records; Buyer/Tenant is responsible for arranging and paying for any independent lead hazard inspection or risk assessment during the inspection period. If remediation is required by law or contract, parties shall agree in writing on the scope, timeline, and payment responsibility for remediation prior to closing or occupancy.

Agreed allocation of responsibility for remediation (if any)

Agent Acknowledgment

Real estate agent acknowledges that the agent has informed the parties of the seller's obligations under applicable lead-based paint law and has delivered any identified records or reports to Buyer/Tenant as provided by Seller/Landlord.

Agent Name Brokerage / Firm Agent Contact Phone

Certifications and Legal Notice

Seller certifies under penalty of law that Seller has provided all information known to Seller concerning lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards to the best of Seller's knowledge. Buyer acknowledges receipt of the information contained in this disclosure and any records or reports listed above. This disclosure does not constitute a warranty or guarantee regarding the existence or absence of lead-based paint hazards beyond the representations expressly made herein.

Governing Law: This disclosure shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the property is located. This disclosure, together with any purchase and sale or lease agreement executed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to lead-based paint disclosures and supersedes all prior oral or written representations relating thereto.

Seller Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Buyer Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Real Estate Lead Law Disclosure Is and When it Applies

A Real Estate Lead Law Disclosure documents a seller's or landlord's knowledge of lead-based paint hazards and provides statutory warnings to prospective buyers or tenants for properties built before 1978. Federally required under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act and related HUD/EPA rules, the disclosure ensures purchasers and renters receive information about known lead hazards, available reports, and an EPA/HUD brochure about lead safety. The form establishes notice, preserves consumer rights to inspect reports, and creates a record that the seller or lessor complied with federal disclosure obligations during the transaction process.

Why this Disclosure Matters for Transactions

The disclosure protects buyers, tenants, and sellers by documenting lead-hazard information and satisfying federal HUD/EPA requirements for pre-1978 housing, reducing liability and preserving buyer/tenant remedies related to undisclosed hazards.

Primary Users and Stakeholders

Parties who typically prepare, provide, or rely on the Real Estate Lead Law Disclosure include sellers, landlords, listing agents, property managers, and closing agents.

Sellers and lessors who own residential property built before 1978, responsible for disclosing known lead information.
Real estate brokers and listing agents who deliver disclosures and retain proof of delivery for compliance.
Buyers, renters, and their agents who review disclosures and request available lead inspection reports before closing or move-in.

Maintain a copy of the signed disclosure with transaction records to show compliance and to respond to any post-closing inquiries or enforcement reviews.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Lead Disclosure

Follow a clear order to minimize errors and ensure the disclosure is accepted by all parties during listing, offer, and closing.

01

Confirm Year Built: Verify construction year from public records or tax assessor.
02

Gather Reports: Attach any lead inspection or risk assessment available.
03

Complete Disclosure: Fill required fields and note known hazards or lack thereof.
04

Obtain Signatures: Have seller/landlord and buyer/tenant sign and date the form.

Where the Disclosure Fits in the Transaction Flow

Integrate the disclosure into listing packets, rental applications, and closing checklists so it is delivered early and retained with transaction records.

Listing Stage: Provide disclosure with property listing materials.
Offer Stage: Include disclosure as an attachment to offers or leases.
Inspection Stage: Share any inspection reports referenced in the disclosure.
Closing / Move-In: Record signed disclosure in closing or rental file.

Configuring an Online Disclosure Workflow

Set up a digital workflow that collects signatures, attachments, and preservation metadata to satisfy disclosure, delivery, and audit requirements.

Field	Configuration
Property Address	Required text field, validated against USPS format
Year Built	Numeric field with four-digit validation
Inspection Attachment	Optional file upload (PDF preferred)
Signature Block	Signer name, signature, date required

Digital Delivery and Platform Considerations

Choose a platform that supports secure uploads, audit trails, and retains signed records in accessible formats.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
File Types: PDF, DOCX, HTML
Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA available

Ensure the chosen system preserves a tamper-evident audit trail and stores records according to regulatory retention requirements.

Timing and When to Provide the Disclosure

Provide the disclosure early enough to allow inspections and informed decision-making; federal rules require delivery before sale or lease execution for pre-1978 properties.

Before Offer Acceptance:

Deliver prior to contract acceptance when possible

Before Lease Execution:

Provide at or before signing the lease

With Inspection Reports:

Attach any available reports immediately

At Closing:

Retain signed disclosure in closing file

For Renewals:

Re-disclose if material changes arise

Key Transaction Milestones

Sequence the disclosure with standard milestones so compliance is visible at each stage of a sale or lease.

01

Pre-Listing Verification

Confirm year built and search for prior reports

02

Listing Delivery

Include disclosure in marketing packet

03

Offer & Inspection

Provide access to reports before acceptance

04

Closing / Move-In

Collect signatures and preserve the record

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Failing to verify year built or relying on incorrect tax-roll data can trigger unnecessary disclosures.
Not attaching or misplacing inspection reports that are referenced in the disclosure creates compliance gaps.
Using vague language like 'unknown' without follow-up can be interpreted as negligent nondisclosure.
Omitting signed acknowledgment from the buyer or tenant undermines proof of delivery.

Essential Information Elements to Include

Property ID: Street address

Construction Year: Year built

Known Hazards: Yes or No

Report Attached: File name or link

Buyer/Tenant Acknowledgment: Signature date

Seller/Agent Signature: Printed name

Consequences of Incomplete or Incorrect Disclosures

Civil Liability: Damages claims possible

Rescission Risk: Contract voidability risk

Administrative Fines: HUD/EPA enforcement possible

Tenant Remedies: Withholding or rent abatement

Reputational Harm: Listing credibility reduced

Recordkeeping Deficiency: Evidence gaps in disputes

Comparing eSignature Options for Delivering the Disclosure

Basic commercial pricing and core features for common eSignature providers. Place signNow first in the comparison to show a representative price and feature set across vendors.

	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	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
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 Real Estate Lead Law Disclosure

Answers to commonly asked questions about when disclosures are required, how to sign them electronically, and what to do if a report is missing.

Need help? Contact support

Is a disclosure required for all properties?
If the residential property was built before 1978, federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure. Newer properties generally do not trigger the federal disclosure obligation.
Can the disclosure be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are present.
What if no inspection report is available?
Indicate that no inspection report exists and provide the buyer/tenant with the EPA/HUD brochure. Offer to obtain testing if requested, and document any follow-up communications.
Do local laws add requirements?
Some states and municipalities impose additional registration, remediation, or notification requirements. Check local housing or public health agencies for specific obligations.
Is notarization required for the disclosure?
Not typically required by federal lead law, but some transactions or lender requirements may request notarized acknowledgments; follow contract or lender instructions.
How long should I keep signed disclosures?
Retain signed disclosures with transaction records for at least three to seven years depending on risk and local rules; longer retention may be prudent for liability protection.

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