The federal Lead Disclosure Rule
Yes, for most older rentals. Federal law requires landlords of housing built before 1978 to give tenants specific lead information before they sign a lease.
Under the federal Lead Disclosure Rule, landlords of pre-1978 housing generally must give you an approved lead-hazard information pamphlet, disclose any known lead paint or lead hazards in the home, provide any records or reports they have, and include a lead warning statement in the lease. Tenants sign to confirm they received this information.
This does not mean the landlord must remove all lead paint, and it does not require testing in every case. But it does mean the landlord cannot legally hide known lead hazards from you before you rent.
If you rented a pre-1978 unit and were never given these lead disclosures — or the landlord hid a known lead problem — that is a violation of your rights. A free, confidential review can help you understand what disclosures you were owed and what to do next.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.