The landlord’s lead-hazard responsibilities
In California, landlords have real responsibilities around lead paint, especially when the paint is deteriorating or when the landlord knows the building has lead. Keeping a rental safe and habitable can include addressing lead hazards that put tenants — particularly children — at risk.
If lead paint in your unit becomes a hazard, such as peeling paint or lead dust, addressing it safely is generally the landlord's responsibility, not something a tenant should try to fix. Landlords of pre-1978 housing also have federal disclosure duties, and they are expected not to make the problem worse — for example, by doing renovations that spread lead dust without proper precautions.
A landlord who ignores a known, deteriorating lead hazard, or who disturbs lead paint unsafely, may be failing legal duties that exist to protect tenants' health.
If you believe your landlord knows about lead paint and is ignoring peeling paint or dust — or is disturbing it unsafely — you do not have to accept that. A free, confidential review can help you understand your landlord's responsibilities in your situation.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.