Lead Paint Citation
One of the most frequently violated environmental laws has to be the lead-paint disclosure rules (see Lead). The EPA issued a press release yesterday announcing a $596 fine imposed on a couple who rented out an apartment in Wisconsin without giving out the proper disclosure to the tenant.
Basically, if the property was constructed prior to 1978, landlords and sellers of property must provide to tenants and buyers with a generic federal lead disclosure. Property owners are under no compulsion to test for lead, but if they find out about lead on the property, they are also required to disclose this information.
I have not seen federal investigators out looking for these violations. Generally enforcement comes as a result of a complaint. Issuing a press release on a $600 fine seems a bit over the top to me.
