U. S. EPA settlement requires Salinas, Calif. Realty company to remove lead-based paint

Contact Information: Soledad Calvino, 415-972-3512, calvino.maria@epa.gov


(August 24, 2015) SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Piini Realty, Inc. for failing to notify its tenants about the potential presence of lead-based paint at 12 rental units located in Salinas, Calif. As part of the settlement, windows, doors, and kitchen cabinets that contain lead-based paint will be removed at various apartments managed by the firm. Any replacement windows will be Energy Star qualified.

"To protect families from lead poisoning, it is crucial for property managers and landlords to provide tenants information concerning the known or potential presence of lead-based paint hazards," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "Lead-based paint is still the main source of lead exposure for children, which can cause learning disabilities and behavior problems."

Under the settlement, the firm is required to pay a $4,250 penalty and must spend a minimum of $38,255 removing lead-based paint at its properties. If lead-based paint is allowed to deteriorate, it could pose a hazard to tenants. The project must be completed within 18 months and every six months Piini Realty must report back to EPA on its progress. All work must be executed by individuals and companies certified to perform such work in accordance with federal and state law.

An EPA inspection found that the firm did not provide tenants with information about the potential presence of lead-based paint before leasing several properties in Salinas. These actions violated the federal Toxic Substances Control Act and the Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule.