Denver, CO Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies To
- All pre-1978 residential properties
- Colorado Forms
- LP46 (rentals), LP48 (landlord obligations)
- Record Retention
- Disclosure forms kept 3 years minimum
- RRP Certification
- Required for renovation in pre-1978 homes
- Maximum Penalty
- Up to $16,000 per violation
Summary
Denver landlords and sellers must comply with federal EPA lead paint disclosure requirements for all pre-1978 housing. Colorado Real Estate Commission forms LP46 and LP48 are used for lead disclosures in rental and sales transactions. Renovation work disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 buildings must be performed by EPA-certified firms under the RRP Rule.
LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE (Rentals). WARNING! LEAD FROM PAINT, DUST, AND SOIL CAN BE DANGEROUS IF NOT MANAGED PROPERLY. Penalties for failure to comply with Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Laws include treble (3 times) damages, attorney fees, costs, and a base penalty up to $10,000 (plus adjustment for inflation) for each violation. Lead Warning Statement: Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling. Tenants must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.
Full Breakdown
Denver follows federal lead-based paint regulations and Colorado-specific disclosure requirements for all residential properties built before 1978. Under the federal Lead Disclosure Rule (24 CFR Part 35 and 40 CFR Part 745), landlords and sellers must disclose any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. The Colorado Real Estate Commission provides specific disclosure forms: LP46 (Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for Rentals) and LP48 (Lead-Based Paint Obligations of the Landlord). Landlords must provide tenants with the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home' and include a Lead Warning Statement in lease agreements.
Signed disclosure forms must be maintained for at least 3 years after the lease begins. Under the EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, all renovation work that disturbs more than 6 square feet of lead-based paint in interior spaces or 20 square feet on exteriors in pre-1978 housing must be performed by EPA-certified lead-safe firms. Penalties for non-compliance can reach up to $16,000 per violation and include potential liability for tenant health issues. Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) provides additional guidance on lead hazard identification and remediation.
Violations & Fines
Failure to disclose known lead hazards can result in federal penalties of up to $16,000 per violation, civil liability for tenant health costs, and potential treble damages. Using non-certified workers for RRP activities violates both federal and state law. Colorado DPHE may pursue enforcement for lead safety violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Denver landlords have to disclose lead paint?
Can I do my own renovation work on lead paint in Denver?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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