Federal HUD/EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule and Lead Disclosure Rule apply to pre-1978 Austin rentals. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 88 adds state lead-poisoning surveillance. Austin lacks a separate proactive lead-inspection program but enforces habitability under City Code 25-2.
Federal law dominates lead-hazard rental inspection in Austin. The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (24 CFR Part 35 and 40 CFR Part 745) requires landlords of pre-1978 rentals to disclose known lead hazards, provide the EPA Protect Your Family pamphlet, and include the federal lead warning in leases. The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires certified firms and lead-safe work practices for renovations disturbing painted surfaces. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 88 requires reporting of elevated blood-lead levels and tracking by Texas DSHS. Austin City Code Chapter 25-2 imposes general habitability duties; Austin Code Department investigates lead complaints but runs no proactive lead inspection program.
Failure to make federal lead disclosures or follow RRP work practices triggers steep EPA civil penalties per violation per day, treble damages in private lawsuits under 42 USC 4852d, and Austin Code habitability citations.
See how Austin's lead-hazard inspections rules stack up against other locations.
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