Yes, you can legally sell a home with lead paint in California, but you must follow strict disclosure laws. Lead paint is common in homes built before 1978, and while it creates challenges for traditional sales, it doesn’t have to derail your plans to sell.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what those risks look like and explain how Osborne Homes offers a faster, simpler alternative. We buy houses that others might reject, specializing in buying homes as-is, including properties with lead paint issues.
What is Lead Paint and Why Is It a Problem?
Lead-based paint is a toxic coating that contains lead, a heavy metal that was commonly used in residential properties before the federal government banned it in 1978. This toxic substance was added to paint to create vibrant colors, help paint dry faster, and provide moisture resistance.
Lead paint is a health and safety issue because it poses serious health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. When lead paint deteriorates, it creates dust and chips that can be inhaled or ingested, leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other serious health problems.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that 89% of homes with lead paint were built before 1978. In California specifically, the Department of Public Health found that over 99% of California zip codes are at risk for childhood lead exposure.
Signs your home might contain lead paint include:
- Built before 1978
- Original paint still visible
- Paint that chips, peels, or cracks
- Metallic or sweet odor from paint
What To Know About Selling a Home with Lead Paint
If you’re wondering if you can sell a house with lead paint in California, the answer is yes. Selling a house with lead paint in California is legal, but state and federal laws require specific steps to protect buyers and ensure transparency.
You Must Follow Federal and State Disclosure Laws
Under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, sellers must:
- Disclose any known information about lead-based paint or lead hazards
- Provide the EPA-approved pamphlet: “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”
- Complete and sign a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form with the buyer and any agents
- Give buyers a 10-day opportunity to conduct lead paint inspections
These requirements apply to all residential properties built before 1978, including single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit properties.
Testing for Lead Paint Isn’t Required (But Disclosure Is)
California law doesn’t require sellers to test for lead paint before selling. However, if you’ve already had testing done, you must share those results with potential buyers.
Professional lead paint testing typically costs $238 to $438 for most homes, though prices can range from $130 to $650 depending on home size and location.
Failure to Disclose Can Lead to Legal Trouble
Sellers who fail to disclose known lead paint hazards face serious consequences including fines, lawsuits, and canceled contracts. Transparency protects both you and the buyer, ensuring a smooth transaction without future legal complications.
4 Main Challenges of Selling a House with Lead Paint
Selling a house with lead paint through traditional real estate channels creates significant obstacles that can delay or derail your sale.
1. Lead Paint Can Complicate Inspections
Home inspections routinely flag lead-based paint as a major concern in pre-1978 homes. Inspectors look for deteriorating paint, and buyers often request additional testing before moving forward. These delays can extend closing timelines and create uncertainty.
2. Testing and Remediation Can Be Expensive
If buyers demand lead paint removal, costs add up quickly. Professional lead paint removal averages $3,499 nationally, with full remediation projects ranging from $1,478 to $5,520 for typical homes. Complete removal can cost $8 to $17 per square foot, making it extremely expensive for entire homes.
3. Fewer Buyers Are Willing to Take the Risk
Families with young children often avoid homes with known lead paint due to health concerns. This shrinks your buyer pool and can force you to accept lower offers or wait longer for the right buyer.
4. Disclosure Delays Can Stall Closings
Missing or incomplete lead paint disclosure forms frequently delay escrow. Some buyers back out entirely when they discover lead paint concerns, especially if they feel the disclosure process wasn’t handled properly.
Skip the Hassle: Sell Your House with Lead Paint to Osborne Homes
Traditional sales with lead paint create headaches, delays, and unexpected costs. Osborne Homes offers a straightforward solution for California homeowners dealing with lead paint issues.
No Repairs or Remediation Needed
We buy houses as-is, meaning you don’t need to test, repaint, or remove lead-based paint. We purchase homes in any condition, including pre-1978 properties with known lead paint problems.
Our team handles properties that other buyers might reject due to age, condition, or code violations. You can sell us your house exactly as it stands today.
Fast and Compliant Sale
We guide you through the required disclosure process to ensure everything meets legal requirements. Our experience with older California homes means we understand the regulations and handle paperwork correctly.
Osborne Homes closes fast, typically in as little as three weeks, without agent commissions or buyer financing delays. You get cash in hand and move on your timeline.
Ideal for Older Homes and Difficult Situations
Whether you’ve inherited a pre-1978 home, need to move out fast due to lead exposure concerns, or are dealing with selling an old house that needs work, Osborne Homes simplifies the process.
At Osborne Homes, we buy houses in California that others pass on due to age, condition, or legal concerns. With over 3,000 transactions completed since 2007, we’ve handled every type of challenging property situation.
Ready to Sell a House with Lead Paint in California?
Selling a house with lead paint doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. While traditional sales involve disclosures, delays, and potential buyer concerns, Osborne Homes offers a faster, easier path forward.
Whether you’re dealing with an older home, inherited property, or want to avoid expensive repairs, we’re here to help. When your house is unsellable through traditional channels, or you need a creative way to sell your house with lead paint, Osborne Homes provides the solution.
Get a fast, fair cash contract—no clean-up, no repairs, no surprises. Contact Osborne Homes today to see how easy it can be to sell your home, lead paint and all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions about selling a home with lead present.
How much does it cost to get rid of lead paint?
Professional lead paint removal costs $8-$17 per square foot, with typical projects ranging from $1,478 to $5,520 for average-sized homes.
Can I sell my house if I don’t know whether it has lead paint?
Yes, you can sell without testing, but you must disclose that the home was built before 1978 and may contain lead paint.
Do I need a certified contractor to remove lead paint before selling?
You’re not required to remove lead paint before selling, but if you choose removal, California law requires EPA-certified contractors for pre-1978 homes.
Will homeowners’ insurance cover lead paint removal costs?
No, standard homeowners insurance excludes lead paint removal as it’s considered a maintenance issue rather than a covered peril.
For more questions about selling your house with lead paint or other concerns, contact Osborne Homes for expert guidance.