Church Property

Church Property

Key point. Congress enacted the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 to reduce lead-based paint hazards in housing. The Act requires the disclosure of any known lead-based paint or any known lead-based paint hazards in housing constructed before 1978 that is offered for sale or lease. There are no exceptions for churches or other nonprofit organizations. Church leaders need to be aware of these requirements whenever they sell or lease church-owned residential property. Failure to comply can result in substantial liability, including “triple damages.”

* A Pennsylvania court ruled that a painting contractor could be liable on the basis of negligence for injuries sustained by the young children of a pastor who were exposed to lead paint dust and chips as a result of the contractor's negligent work. A church entered into a contract with a contractor to repaint ...