Introduction

The California Departments of Real Estate and Health Services originally prepared this booklet in response to the California legislative mandate to inform the homeowner and prospective homeowner about environmental hazards (such as the presence of asbestos and lead paint) located on, and affecting, residential property.

The 2005 edition was prepared by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board and the California Department of Health Services’ Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Radon Program, and Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management, in response to a 1994 legislative mandate. The 1994 legislation also requires this booklet to consolidate the California disclosure requirements and the federal disclosure requirements.

The information contained in this booklet is an overview of some environmental hazards, such as asbestos and lead paint, which may be found on or in residential property. Since this booklet is not meant to be all-inclusive, it should be used only for general guidance. Although law requires the disclosure of known hazards, an environmental survey may be conducted to obtain further information. Homeowners, tenants, and prospective homeowners may wish to obtain other literature for additional information on hazards of concern.

In California, sellers are required to disclose the presence of any known environmental hazard. A statement that the homeowner is unaware of environmental hazards is not a guarantee that the property is free of such hazards. It is in the homeowner’s and prospective homeowner’s interest to know what hazards are common, where they are found, and how they might be mitigated. This booklet will provide homeowners and prospective homeowners with the information and additional resources needed to make an informed decision about environmental hazards that may be present on a property.

The material is presented with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in offering legal or other professional advice. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a skilled professional should be obtained.