What is a critical responsibility of landlords regarding lead paint in rentals?

A critical responsibility of landlords regarding lead paint in rentals is to disclose the presence of lead paint within a specified time frame—in this case, 90 days. This requirement arises from federal law, specifically the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which mandates that landlords inform tenants about potential lead hazards in properties built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use.

Providing this disclosure helps protect tenants, particularly families with young children, from the health risks associated with lead exposure. By being transparent about the presence of lead paint, landlords fulfill their legal obligations and contribute to tenant safety.

The other options represent actions that are either insufficient, unnecessary, or not required by law. For instance, simply painting over lead paint does not eliminate the hazard and may even disguise underlying issues. Replacing all paint in the house would not be feasible or required, as not all painted surfaces may contain lead. Emptying the property is an extreme measure and is neither practical nor mandated in the context of lead paint disclosure. Therefore, timely disclosure is the most appropriate and legally mandated action that landlords must take.