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Topic 32. Lead-Based Paint
February 27, 2026
Subtopic a, Properties Built in 1978 or later has been condensed and subtopic b, Properties built before 1978, phrase “or related improvements” has been removed.
a. Properties Built in 1978 or Later
Defective paint on a dwelling built in 1978 or later is normally considered cosmetic.
b. Properties Built Before 1978
If the dwelling was built before 1978, the presence of lead-based paint must be presumed. Any defective lead-based paint is a safety hazard that must be remediated. The appraiser must clearly identify the location of any defective paint. Economic feasibility is not an acceptable reason for waiver of a repair involving lead-based paint.
c. Correction of Defective Lead-Based Paint
Any defective lead-based paint must receive adequate treatment to prevent the ingestion of contaminated paint. Either:
the surface requiring treatment must be thoroughly washed, scraped, wire brushed or otherwise cleaned to remove all cracking, scaling, peeling, chipping, and loose paint, and then repainted with two coats of a suitable nonleaded paint, or
the paint shall be completely removed or the surface covered with a suitable material such as gypsum wallboard, plywood, or plaster before any painting is undertaken if the integrity of the surface needing treatment cannot be maintained.
d. Appraiser Certification of Repairs
The completion of all repairs involving defective lead-based paint must be certified by the VA- assigned appraiser.