City of Gainesville Community Development Department Housing Division

Transcription

1 City of Gainesville Community Development Department Housing Division DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROCEDURES Application Process Applications are mailed to prospective homebuyers in response to telephone requests or picked up at the office. The client completes and returns the application, Authorization for Release of Information, and copy of two most recent paycheck stubs. After income is verified, staff contacts client to come in to sign other documents and discuss process. Downpayment assistance funds are not approved until: (1) client and lender submits all required documentation including the loan underwriter s statement and (2) Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) sends project number. Homebuyer Education All prospective homebuyers must attend homebuyer education training and receive a certificate of completion. Home Development Resource's homebuyer education program is designed for clients who want to learn about purchasing a home. The curriculum is based on the American Homeowner Education and Counseling Institute s (AHECI) Core Curriculum. Topics include: Credit and Credit Scores, Saving and Budgeting, Keeping Your credit Safe, Shopping for a Home, Understanding the Mortgage Loan Process, Home Inspection and Appraisal, Homeowners Insurance, Closing Your Loan, and How to Avoid Foreclosure. Students must attend each of the three classes to receive a Certificate of Completion. Attendees are given prepurchase counseling workbooks free of charge. Please call to register for the class. Applicants are given information and referrals to public and private service agencies to meet their needs. Examples of referrals include, but are not limited to: USDA Rural Development, Georgia Department of Community Affairs OwnHome program, local lenders with Spanish speaking loan officers, Spanish speaking real estate agents, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, the Gainesville-Hall Assistance and Information Network (GHAIN), battered women's shelters, and Disability Resource Center for the handicapped. Inspections and Lead-Based Paint When a prospective homebuyer enters into contract negotiations to purchase a home, the seller provides: 1) a disclosure statement including all known information about the presence of leadbased paint or lead-based paint hazards; 2) any records or reports pertaining to the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards; 3) a ten (10) day opportunity to inspect the dwelling for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. The property is inspected to make sure that it meets minimum property standards and if the house was built prior to 1978 performs a visual assessment of all interior painted surfaces, including common areas such as hallways, laundry rooms or garages, and exterior to identify deteriorated paint. Please get a Downpayment Assistance Process Page 1 of 2

2 Miscellaneous Building Permit (office located on second floor of 311 Henry Ward Way) if the house is more than one year old or the Occupancy Permit if the house is new construction. All deteriorated paint surfaces must be stabilized before the prospective homebuyer moves into the home. Safe work practices must be used when conducting paint stabilization. Safe work practices include safe work methods, occupant protection, worksite preparation, and cleanup. After the completion of the work, the home must pass clearance. A Clearance Exam is performed before occupancy if the home is vacant or immediately after receipt of the downpayment assistance for a home currently occupied. For the majority of the downpayment assistance projects, clearance would be required before occupancy. Any surfaces that fail the clearance examination must be re-cleaned and re-tested until the area passes clearance. A Notification of Lead Hazard Evaluation and Reduction is provided to the prospective homebuyer within 15 calendar days of the completion of the lead hazard evaluation or reduction activities. Contract Signing At sales contract signing, the prospective homebuyer gives Notice to Seller form to seller. The client contacts a lender and begins the mortgage loan process. The Lender supplies a copy of the following documents: Sales Contract, loan application, paycheck stubs, appraisal, credit report, closing attorney information, Loan Underwriting Mortgage approval with conditions and certification that the mortgage loan is underwritten to one of the following standards: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA or Georgia Dream. This office verifies income; purchase price limits and sends Truth in Lending statement to the client within 3 days. A project set-up request and environmental report are then sent to Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Closing The Lender notifies this office of a target closing date. After DCA approves the Project and returns the set-up report with a project number, a drawdown request is signed by local government official and sent to DCA. A memo is forwarded to City of Gainesville Accounting department giving check preparation data. DCA wires the funds to Local Government's checking account. The Accounting Department cuts a check and sends to either the Closing Attorney or GNPDF if funds have been advanced. After closing is held, the attorney sends the following documents back to the office: Downpayment Assistance Grant Agreement, HUD Settlement Statement, Promissory Notes, Warranty Deed, and Deed to Secure Debts for Downpayment Assistance and first mortgage, Loan Agreement and Homeowner Insurance Certificate. A completion report is sent to DCA. Downpayment Assistance Process Page 2 of 2

3 City of Gainesville Community Development Department Housing Division 311 Henry Ward Way, 2 nd Floor P. O. Box 2496, Gainesville, GA Phone (770) , Fax (678) Thank you for your interest in the City of Gainesville Affordable Housing Programs. Income limits will apply to receive monetary assistance. To start the process, please complete the entire application including signatures were required. Once complete, please return all of the following to our office: Downpayment Assistance 1. Official Application 2. Authorization for Release of Information 3. Paycheck stubs 4. Must attend a home buying and budgeting seminar. Please call to register. If you cannot attend the dates you are given, please contact this office so that other dates can be arranged. Applications are processed on a first-come first-served basis. Please call the Community Development Department at to schedule an appointment to discuss specific information about the program.

4 CDBG/CHIP INTAKE APPLICATION For Office Use Only APPLICATION DATE: Income $ Family Size Type of Assistance: Rehabilitation Reconstruction New Construction Down Payment Assistance Eligible: Yes No Income Limits % Signature Date Contract Administrator: Contract Number: Applicant Name(s): Current Address: City, State, Zip: P.O. Box Home Phone: Cell Phone: Emergency Contact Name: Emergency Contact Phone: Please check one: I am applying for Rehabilitation Assistance Down Payment Assistance HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS -List the Head of Household and all other persons who will be living in the unit. Indicate the relationship of each family member to the Head of Household. Name Relationship to Head of Household Date of Birth Age Gender (Male or Female) Social Security Number Head Household 1

5 HEAD of HOUSEHOLD (check one) THIS INFORMATION IS REQUIRED. It is being collected to ensure compliance with federal Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity regulations. Race of Head of Household: White Black/African American Asian American Indian/Alaska Native Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander Asian and White Black/African American and White American Indian/Alaska Native and White American Indian/Alaska Native and Black/African American Other Multi Racial Ethnicity of Head of Household: Hispanic A person of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Terms such as Latino or Spanish Origin apply to this category. Non-Hispanic A person not of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Is this a Female Head of household? Yes No Number of household members with disability. INCOME INFORMATION Includes: Wages, salaries and tips, alimony, child support, military income, part-time income, temporary income, Social Security, TANF, other benefits, other income. FOOD STAMPS ARE NOT CONSIDERED INCOME do not list food stamps. List ALL household members and their incomes. Attach a separate sheet if you need more space. Household Member Name Full Time Student? Source of Income (include employer name and phone number) Rate of Pay Payment Basis (weekly, monthly, etc.) 2

6 ASSET INFORMATION Do you have a mortgage on your house? Yes No N/A If yes, what is the current balance owed on the mortgage? Name of the company that holds the mortgage on your home. What are your yearly property taxes?. Are your property taxes current? Yes No N/A What year was your house built? N/A Do you have homeowners insurance? Yes No N/A Name of insurance company N/A Have you ever received a federal, state or local agency grant for your home? Yes No N/A If yes, please state the program, the year assistance was provided and the amount? Do you own any other real estate property? Yes No N/A If Yes, what is its current market value? N/A List below the types and sources of any household assets. Provide both the current cash value and the estimated annual income from the asset. Household Member Name Type and Source of Asset (savings/checking accounts, investments, etc.) Cash Value of Asset Annual Income From Asset Credit History Please answer all questions. If the answer is yes please attach a written explanation. Are there any outstanding financial judgments or liens against you? Yes No Have you declared bankruptcy within the last 36 months? Yes No Have you lost any property through foreclosure or given title or deed to anyone to avoid foreclosure? Yes No Are you a co-signer on any note or loan? Yes No 3

7 EXPENSE INFORMATION Indicate the MONTHLY dollar expenditures for your family. Circle any of the listed expenses that are delinquent. Creditor/Expense City, State of Creditor Year Loan Opened Current Balance Monthly Payment Is Debt Business Related? Mortgage Yes No Electric Yes No Gas Yes No Phone Yes No Cable Yes No Car Payment Yes No Car Insurance Yes No Medical Expenses Yes No Medical Insurance Yes No Child Care Yes No Credit Card $ Yes No Credit Card $ Yes No Loan Yes No Other (specify) $ Yes No Are you related to the City Mayor or a Member of City Council? Yes No Are you employed by the City of Gainesville? Yes No Are you related to a City Employee? Yes No Do you serve on any Board or Agency associated with the City of Gainesville? Yes No If yes to above, give name and relationship The proposed property is and/or will be my Primary Residence for (at least) the required period of affordability as specified in the CDBG/CHIP loan documents: Yes No APPLICANT CERTIFICATION I understand that by signing below that: (a) I will forfeit any Assistance if any information I provide is false. (b) The Community Development/Housing Department office does not guarantee that I can purchase or rehab a home. (c) I have received a copy of the EPA pamphlet entitled: Protect your Family From Lead in Your Home. (d) I acknowledge by signing, that all information I have given is true and factual to the best of my knowledge. (e) I agree to abide by those requirements and conditions in connection with any loan and/or grant that may be made or referred by the City of Gainesville pursuant to this application. Signature of Applicant: Date Signature of Applicant: Date Warning: Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code states that a person is guilty of a felony for knowingly and willingly making false or fraudulent statements to any department of the United States Government. 4

8 GENERAL AUTHORIZATION FOR THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION STATEMENT I, hereby authorize the City of Gainesville or its designated agents to obtain and receive all records and information pertaining to eligibility for the rehabilitation program, including employment, income, (including IRS returns), credit, residency, and banking information from all persons, companies, or firms holding or having access to such information. This authorization hereby gives the City of Gainesville the right to request all information that we can or could obtain from any persons, company, or firm on any matter referred to above. I (we) agree to have no claim for defamation, violation of privacy, or otherwise against any person or firm or corporation by reason of any statement or information released by them to the City of Gainesville for the purpose of the program. The term of this authorization shall commence on the date of signature and be in force for a period of 2 years. A copy of this authorization may be deemed to be the equivalent of the original and may be used as a duplicate of the original. Who must sign the consent form: Each member of your household which is 18 years or older must sign the consent form. Additional signatures must be obtained from new adult members running the household or whenever members become 18 years of age. I (we) fully understand that it is a Federal Crime punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both to knowingly make any false statements concerning any of the information given in the application as applicable under the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, at seg. Signature (Owner) Date Social Security # Signature (Owner) Date Social Security # Other family members over age 18: Date Social Security # Name Date Social Security # Name Date Social Security # Name

9 HUD Income Guidelines for Gainesville, GA MSA for FY 2013 FY 2013 Income Limit Category 1 Person Household 2 Person Household 3 Person Household 4 Person Household 5 Person Household 6 Person Household 7 Person Household 8 Person Household Extremely Low (30%) Income Limits $12,400 $14,150 $15,900 $17,650 $19,100 $20,500 $21,900 $23,300 Very Low (50%) Income Limits Low (80%) Income Limits $20,650 $23,600 $26,550 $29,450 $31,850 $34,200 $36,550 $38,900 $33,050 $37,750 $42,450 $47,150 $50,950 $54,700 $58,500 $62,250 Note: These income limits are published annually, and are subject to change by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Current figures became effective December 12, Gross Income cannot exceed 80% income limits based on household size.

10 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community HOME Investment Program INCOME VERIFICATION FORM Format for Calculating Part 5 Annual Income 1. Name of Applicant(s): 2. Total Number of Persons in Household: Family Member ASSETS Current Cash Value Asset Description of Assets Actual Income from Assets 3. Net Cash Value of Assets Total Actual Income from Assets If line 3 is greater than $5,000, multiply line by (Passbook Rate) 5. and enter results here; otherwise, leave blank ANTICIPATED ANNUAL INCOME Family Members a. Wages/ Salaries b. Benefits/ Pensions c. Public Assistance d. Other Income e. Asset Income 6. Totals a. b. c. d. e. 7. Enter total of items from 6a. through 6e. This is Annual Income Applicable income limit for county as adjusted for household size: 8. Applicant Signature of Homeowner or Home Buyer Co-Applicant Signature of Homeowner or Home Buyer CC-8

11 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community HOME Investment Program CERTIFICATION AS TO CONFLICT OF INTEREST Name of Applicant/Co-Applicant: This is to certify that we are not aware of any conflict of interest that exists between the family benefitting from the receipt of CHIP funds and any person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected official or appointed official of the state, the (Name of State Recipient or Sub-recipient) or of the (Name of administrator, if applicable) whom are in a position to participate in a decision making process or are responsible for the administration or oversight of the Community HOME Investment Program. Signature of Applicant Date Signature of Co-Applicant (if applicable) Date Signature of Certifying Officer of State Recipient/Sub-recipient Date Signature of Administrator (if applicable) Date CC-6

12 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community HOME Investment Program CERTIFICATION TO USE UNIT AS PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE This is to certify that if my (or our) application for financial assistance through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) is approved, that I (or we) will occupy the property for which we are receiving the CHIP funding as my (or our) principal residence throughout the required affordability period which as been defined as number of years. Applicant Signature Date Applicant Printed Name Co-Applicant Signature Date Co-Applicant Printed Name CC-7

13 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community HOME Investment Program DECLARATION OF CITIZENSHIP STATUS FOR HOUSEHOLD MEMBER 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER NOTICE TO APPLICANTS AND TENANTS: Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, as amended, prohibits the Secretary of HUD from making financial assistance available, through the department s programs, to persons other than United States citizens, nationals, or certain eligible non-citizens. In order to be eligible to receive the housing assistance sought, each applicant for, or recipient of, housing assistance must be lawfully within the United States. Please read the Declaration statement carefully, sign and return it to the Housing Authority office. Please feel free to consult with an immigration lawyer or other immigration expert of your choice. A complete Declaration must be provided for each member of the household. I,, certify, under penalty of perjury, that, to the best of my knowledge, I am lawfully within the United States because (please check appropriate box): ( ) I am a citizen by birth, a naturalized citizen, or a national of the United States; or ( ) I have eligible immigration status and I am 62 years of age or older. (Attach proof of age); or ( ) I have eligible immigration status as checked below (see reverse side of this form for explanations). Attach INS document(s) evidencing eligible immigration status and signed verification consent form. [ ] Immigrant status under 101(a or 1010(a) (20) of the INA 3/; or [ ] Permanent residence under 249 of INA 4/; or [ ] Refugee, asylum, or conditional entry status under 207, 208, or 203 of the INA /5; or [ ] Parole status under 212(d) (5) of the INA /6; or [ ] Threat to life or freedom under 243(h) of the INA /7; or [ ] Amnesty under 245A of the INA 8/. Signature Printed Name Date Date Page 1 of 2 CC- 3

14 Eligible immigration status may be confirmed by providing one of the following forms of documentation: (1) A noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined by section 101 (a) (20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as an immigrant, as defined by section 101(a) (15) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1001(a) (20) and 1101(a) (15), respectively) [immigrants]. (This category includes a noncitizen admitted under section 210 or 210A of the INA (8 U.S.C or 1161) [special agricultural worker], who has been granted lawful temporary resident status). (2) A noncitizen who entered the United States before January 1, 1972, or such later date as enacted by law, and has continuously maintained residence in the United States since then, and who is not eligible for citizenship, but who is deemed to be lawfully admitted for permanent residence as a result of an exercise of discretion by the Attorney General under section 249 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1259). (3) A noncitizen who is lawfully present in the United States pursuant to an admission under section 207 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1157) [refugee status]; pursuant to the granting of asylum (which has not been terminated) under section 208 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1158) [asylum status]; or as a result of being granted conditional entry under section 203(a) (7) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1153(a) (7)). Page 2 of 2 CC- 3

15 Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home United States Environmental Protection Agency United States Consumer Product Safety Commission United States Department of Housing and Urban Development December 2012

16 Are You Planning to Buy or Rent a Home Built Before 1978? Did you know that many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint? Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards. Read this entire brochure to learn: How lead gets into the body About health effects of lead What you can do to protect your family Where to go for more information Before renting or buying a pre-1978 home or apartment, federal law requires: Sellers must disclose known information on lead-based paint or leadbased paint hazards before selling a house. Real estate sales contracts must include a specific warning statement about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead. Landlords must disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a specific warning statement about lead-based paint. If undertaking renovations, repairs, or painting (RRP) projects in your pre-1978 home or apartment: Read EPA s pamphlet, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right, to learn about the lead-safe work practices that contractors are required to follow when working in your home (see page 12).

17 Simple Steps to Protect Your Family from Lead Hazards If you think your home has lead-based paint: Don t try to remove lead-based paint yourself. Always keep painted surfaces in good condition to minimize deterioration. Get your home checked for lead hazards. Find a certified inspector or risk assessor at epa.gov/lead. Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint. Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling. When renovating, repairing, or painting, hire only EPA- or stateapproved Lead-Safe certified renovation firms. Before buying, renting, or renovating your home, have it checked for lead-based paint. Consult your health care provider about testing your children for lead. Your pediatrician can check for lead with a simple blood test. Wash children s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often. Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Remove shoes or wipe soil off shoes before entering your house. 1

18 Lead Gets into the Body in Many Ways Adults and children can get lead into their bodies if they: Breathe in lead dust (especially during activities such as renovations, repairs, or painting that disturb painted surfaces). Swallow lead dust that has settled on food, food preparation surfaces, and other places. Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead. Lead is especially dangerous to children under the age of 6. At this age, children s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Children s growing bodies absorb more lead. Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them. Women of childbearing age should know that lead is dangerous to a developing fetus. Women with a high lead level in their system before or during pregnancy risk exposing the fetus to lead through the placenta during fetal development. 2

19 Health Effects of Lead Lead affects the body in many ways. It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can severely harm children. In children, exposure to lead can cause: Nervous system and kidney damage Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence Speech, language, and behavior problems Poor muscle coordination Decreased muscle and bone growth Hearing damage While low-lead exposure is most common, exposure to high amounts of lead can have devastating effects on children, including seizures, unconsciousness, and, in some cases, death. Although children are especially susceptible to lead exposure, lead can be dangerous for adults, too. In adults, exposure to lead can cause: Harm to a developing fetus Increased chance of high blood pressure during pregnancy Fertility problems (in men and women) High blood pressure Digestive problems Nerve disorders Memory and concentration problems 3 Muscle and joint pain

20 Check Your Family for Lead Get your children and home tested if you think your home has lead. Children s blood lead levels tend to increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age, and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months of age. Consult your doctor for advice on testing your children. A simple blood test can detect lead. Blood lead tests are usually recommended for: Children at ages 1 and 2 Children or other family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead Children who should be tested under your state or local health screening plan Your doctor can explain what the test results mean and if more testing will be needed. 4

21 Where Lead-Based Paint Is Found In general, the older your home or childcare facility, the more likely it has lead-based paint. 1 Many homes, including private, federally-assisted, federallyowned housing, and childcare facilities built before 1978 have lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint. 2 Learn how to determine if paint is lead-based paint on page 7. Lead can be found: In homes and childcare facilities in the city, country, or suburbs, In private and public single-family homes and apartments, On surfaces inside and outside of the house, and In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources, such as past use of leaded gas in cars.) Learn more about where lead is found at epa.gov/lead. 1 Lead-based paint is currently defined by the federal government as paint with lead levels greater than or equal to 1.0 milligram per square centimeter (mg/cm), or more than 0.5% by weight. 5 2 Lead-containing paint is currently defined by the federal government as lead in new dried paint in excess of 90 parts per million (ppm) by weight.

22 Identifying Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, or damaged paint) is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear and tear, such as: On windows and window sills Doors and door frames Stairs, railings, banisters, and porches Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good condition and if it is not on an impact or friction surface like a window. Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is scraped, sanded, or heated. Lead dust also forms when painted surfaces containing lead bump or rub together. Lead paint chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can reenter the air when the home is vacuumed or swept, or when people walk through it. EPA currently defines the following levels of lead in dust as hazardous: 40 micrograms per square foot (μg/ft 2 ) and higher for floors, including carpeted floors 250 μg/ft 2 and higher for interior window sills Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. EPA currently defines the following levels of lead in soil as hazardous: 400 parts per million (ppm) and higher in play areas of bare soil 1,200 ppm (average) and higher in bare soil in the remainder of the yard Remember, lead from paint chips which you can see and lead dust which you may not be able to see both can be hazards. The only way to find out if paint, dust, or soil lead hazards exist is to test for them. The next page describes how to do this. 6

23 Checking Your Home for Lead You can get your home tested for lead in several different ways: A lead-based paint inspection tells you if your home has leadbased paint and where it is located. It won t tell you whether your home currently has lead hazards. A trained and certified testing professional, called a lead-based paint inspector, will conduct a paint inspection using methods, such as: Portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine Lab tests of paint samples A risk assessment tells you if your home currently has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust, or soil. It also tells you what actions to take to address any hazards. A trained and certified testing professional, called a risk assessor, will: Sample paint that is deteriorated on doors, windows, floors, stairs, and walls Sample dust near painted surfaces and sample bare soil in the yard Get lab tests of paint, dust, and soil samples A combination inspection and risk assessment tells you if your home has any lead-based paint and if your home has any lead hazards, and where both are located. Be sure to read the report provided to you after your inspection or risk assessment is completed, and ask questions about anything you do not understand. 7

24 Checking Your Home for Lead, continued In preparing for renovation, repair, or painting work in a pre-1978 home, Lead-Safe Certified renovators (see page 12) may: Take paint chip samples to determine if lead-based paint is present in the area planned for renovation and send them to an EPA-recognized lead lab for analysis. In housing receiving federal assistance, the person collecting these samples must be a certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor Use EPA-recognized tests kits to determine if lead-based paint is absent (but not in housing receiving federal assistance) Presume that lead-based paint is present and use lead-safe work practices There are state and federal programs in place to ensure that testing is done safely, reliably, and effectively. Contact your state or local agency for more information, visit epa.gov/lead, or call LEAD (5323) for a list of contacts in your area. 3 3 Hearing- or speech-challenged individuals may access this number through TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at

25 What You Can Do Now to Protect Your Family If you suspect that your house has lead-based paint hazards, you can take some immediate steps to reduce your family s risk: If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint. Keep painted surfaces clean and free of dust. Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner. (Remember: never mix ammonia and bleach products together because they can form a dangerous gas.) Carefully clean up paint chips immediately without creating dust. Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads often during cleaning of dirty or dusty areas, and again afterward. Wash your hands and your children s hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time. Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly. Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces, or eating soil. When renovating, repairing, or painting, hire only EPA- or stateapproved Lead-Safe Certified renovation firms (see page 12). Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil. Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron, and calcium, such as spinach and dairy products. Children with good diets absorb less lead. 9

26 Reducing Lead Hazards Disturbing lead-based paint or removing lead improperly can increase the hazard to your family by spreading even more lead dust around the house. In addition to day-to-day cleaning and good nutrition, you can temporarily reduce lead-based paint hazards by taking actions, such as repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover leadcontaminated soil. These actions are not permanent solutions and will need ongoing attention. You can minimize exposure to lead when renovating, repairing, or painting by hiring an EPA- or statecertified renovator who is trained in the use of lead-safe work practices. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, learn how to use lead safe work practices in your home. To remove lead hazards permanently, you should hire a certified lead abatement contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not permanent control. Always use a certified contractor who is trained to address lead hazards safely. Hire a Lead-Safe Certified firm (see page 12) to perform renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) projects that disturb painted surfaces. To correct lead hazards permanently, hire a certified lead abatement professional. This will ensure your contractor knows how to work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules as set by their state or by the federal government. 10

27 Reducing Lead Hazards, continued If your home has had lead abatement work done or if the housing is receiving federal assistance, once the work is completed, dust cleanup activities must be conducted until clearance testing indicates that lead dust levels are below the following levels: 40 micrograms per square foot (μg/ft 2 ) for floors, including carpeted floors 250 μg/ft 2 for interior windows sills 400 μg/ft 2 for window troughs For help in locating certified lead abatement professionals in your area, call your state or local agency (see pages 14 and 15), or visit epa.gov/lead, or call LEAD. 11

28 Renovating, Remodeling, or Repairing (RRP) a Home with Lead-Based Paint If you hire a contractor to conduct renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) projects in your pre-1978 home or childcare facility (such as pre-school and kindergarten), your contractor must: Be a Lead-Safe Certified firm approved by EPA or an EPA-authorized state program Use qualified trained individuals (Lead-Safe Certified renovators) who follow specific lead-safe work practices to prevent lead contamination Provide a copy of EPA s lead hazard information document, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right RRP contractors working in pre-1978 homes and childcare facilities must follow lead-safe work practices that: Contain the work area. The area must be contained so that dust and debris do not escape from the work area. Warning signs must be put up, and plastic or other impermeable material and tape must be used. Avoid renovation methods that generate large amounts of lead-contaminated dust. Some methods generate so much leadcontaminated dust that their use is prohibited. They are: Open-flame burning or torching Sanding, grinding, planing, needle gunning, or blasting with power tools and equipment not equipped with a shroud and HEPA vacuum attachment and Using a heat gun at temperatures greater than 1100 F Clean up thoroughly. The work area should be cleaned up daily. When all the work is done, the area must be cleaned up using special cleaning methods. Dispose of waste properly. Collect and seal waste in a heavy duty bag or sheeting. When transported, ensure that waste is contained to prevent release of dust and debris. To learn more about EPA s requirements for RRP projects visit epa.gov/getleadsafe, or read The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right. 12

29 Other Sources of Lead While paint, dust, and soil are the most common sources of lead, other lead sources also exist: Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might contain lead: Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water, or visit epa.gov/lead for EPA s lead in drinking water information. Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air. Your job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your body or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family s clothes. Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture. Call your local health department for information about hobbies that may use lead. Old toys and furniture may have been painted with lead-containing paint. Older toys and other children s products may have parts that contain lead. 4 Food and liquids cooked or stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain may contain lead. Folk remedies, such as greta and azarcon, used to treat an upset stomach In 1978, the federal government banned toys, other children s products, and furniture with lead-containing paint (16 CFR 1303). In 2008, the federal government banned lead in most children s products. The federal government currently bans lead in excess of 100 ppm by weight in most children s products (76 FR 44463).

30 For More Information The National Lead Information Center Learn how to protect children from lead poisoning and get other information about lead hazards on the Web at epa.gov/lead and hud.gov/lead, or call LEAD (5323). EPA s Safe Drinking Water Hotline For information about lead in drinking water, call , or visit epa.gov/lead for information about lead in drinking water. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Hotline For information on lead in toys and other consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury, call , or visit CPSC s website at cpsc.gov or saferproducts.gov. State and Local Health and Environmental Agencies Some states, tribes, and cities have their own rules related to leadbased paint. Check with your local agency to see which laws apply to you. Most agencies can also provide information on finding a lead abatement firm in your area, and on possible sources of financial aid for reducing lead hazards. Receive up-to-date address and phone information for your state or local contacts on the Web at epa.gov/lead, or contact the National Lead Information Center at LEAD. Hearing- or speech-challenged individuals may access any of the phone numbers in this brochure through TTY by calling the tollfree Federal Relay Service at

31 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Offices The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. Your Regional EPA Office can provide further information regarding regulations and lead protection programs. Region 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 1 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, OES 05-4 Boston, MA (888) Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region Woodbridge Avenue Building 205, Mail Stop 225 Edison, NJ (732) Region 3 (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, DC, West Virginia) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region Arch Street Philadelphia, PA (215) Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 4 AFC Tower, 12th Floor, Air, Pesticides & Toxics 61 Forsyth Street, SW Atlanta, GA (404) Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 5 (DT-8J) 77 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL (312) Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 66 Tribes) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region Ross Avenue, 12th Floor Dallas, TX (214) Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region Renner Blvd. WWPD/TOPE Lenexa, KS (800) Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region Wynkoop St. Denver, CO (303) Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 9 (CMD-4-2) 75 Hawthorne Street San Francisco, CA (415) Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) Regional Lead Contact U.S. EPA Region 10 Solid Waste & Toxics Unit (WCM-128) 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900 Seattle, WA (206)

32 Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) The CPSC protects the public against unreasonable risk of injury from consumer products through education, safety standards activities, and enforcement. Contact CPSC for further information regarding consumer product safety and regulations. CPSC 4330 East West Highway Bethesda, MD cpsc.gov or saferproducts.gov U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HUD s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. Contact HUD s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control for further information regarding the Lead Safe Housing Rule, which protects families in pre-1978 assisted housing, and for the lead hazard control and research grant programs. HUD 451 Seventh Street, SW, Room 8236 Washington, DC (202) hud.gov/offices/lead/ This document is in the public domain. It may be produced by an individual or organization without permission. Information provided in this booklet is based upon current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries established by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that can be caused by lead exposure. U. S. EPA Washington DC U. S. CPSC Bethesda MD U. S. HUD Washington DC EPA-747-K December

33 IMPORTANT! Lead From Paint, Dust, and Soil in and Around Your Home Can Be Dangerous if Not Managed Properly Children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning in your home. Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. Homes, schools, and child care facilities built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. Even children who seem healthy may have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. Disturbing surfaces with lead-based paint or removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. People can get lead into their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. People have many options for reducing lead hazards. Generally, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard (see page 10).

34 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Community HOME Investment Program HOMEOWNER RECEIPT OF LEAD-BASED PAINT PAMPHLET AND REPORTS DCA Project #: Homeowner Name(s): Address: I have received the pamphlet PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME informing me of the potential risk of lead hazard exposure from renovation activity to be performed on my dwelling unit. I read this pamphlet and understand the information. Homeowner Borrower Signature: Homeowner Co-Borrower Signature: Date: Date: POST REHABILITATION Check Each Applicable: I have received the Inspection and/or Risk Assessment Report completed for my property. Not Applicable - Property found not to have lead-based paint All lead-based paint previously abated Rehabilitation did not disturb painted surfaces I have received a copy of the work write up for lead hazard control for my property. Not Applicable - Property found not to have lead-based paint All lead-based paint previously abated Rehabilitation did not disturb painted surfaces I have received the clearance report (including the lead hazard reduction scope of work) for my property. Not Applicable - Property found not to have lead-based paint All lead-based paint previously abated Rehabilitation did not disturb painted surfaces Homeowner Borrower Signature: Date: Homeowner Co-Borrower Signature: Date: CR-6