Qualifying for a Lead Paint Removal Tax Credit

In the state of Massachusetts, property owners who paid for lead paint removal from their residential dwelling may claim the Lead Paint Removal Tax Credit. Homeowners can use the following four points to find out if they qualify for the credit.

Full Compliance or Interim Control

Full compliance means that all dangerous levels of lead are removed, while interim control indicates that lead has been effectively controlled. Homeowners can get credit for $1,500 for full compliance, or $500 for interim control.

Type of Property

Any residential property, either tenant occupied or owner occupied.

Licensed Workers

The property must have been inspected by a licensed expert and found to have lead paint. A licensed de-leader must complete the lead paint removal, and the property must be inspected afterward to confirm lead removal.

Letters Filed

To receive the tax credit, the owner must file a letter with the department of revenue for each deleaded property once the work is complete. They must also submit the letter of full compliance or interim control.

Top Mold Myths Debunked

Mold testing is one of the most important tasks to undertake if one suspects there are any spores in the home. However, there are many misconceptions about this fungus. Here are several myths about mold.

Myth 1: All Mold Is Dangerous

There is the thought that all mold is dangerous to humans, but humans benefit from this growth more often than they may be aware. Penicillin was created from mold. Cheese is also made using different types of mold.

Myth 2: To Be Healthy, the Home Must Be Completely Mold Free

There is no way to make an interior room completely mold-free. Mold spores in the air are natural. The only way to avoid them is to live in a plastic bubble. Mold testing can determine how badly the air is infected.

Myth 3: Bleach Kills All Mold

Bleach is known for killing viruses and bacteria. As a result, most people believe it will kill mold as well. In fact, chlorine bleach is not an approved sanitation method. Bleach only reaches the upper layer of the surface. In order to kill mold, the roots must be destroyed. On porous surfaces such as walls, carpets, roofing material, or insulation, the roots run deep and are unaffected by bleach.

Myth 4: If Some Mold Isn’t Dangerous, Then There Is No Need to Worry

There are those who know not all mold is dangerous, so they conclude that no mold is. Unfortunately, that is simply untrue. Several types of mold are harmful, and they should be addressed due to the health risks they pose.

Myth 5: A Little Mold Is Okay

A little might not seem like a huge problem. However, it is just the tip of the iceberg in most cases. Mold testing will determine the infestation.

Myth 6: Anyone Can Clean It Up

Many think that cleaning up an infestation is simple. However, to ensure the job is done properly, it is best to leave the clean-up to an experienced technician, especially in areas with strict rental laws.

Other Common Misunderstandings

While toxic mold can cause serious health problems, some conditions leave little evidence that can be easily linked back to spores. - Skin Rash: no clear evidence contributed to dermatitis - Sinusitis: no clear evidence to link the two - Asthma: outdoor mold has more of an adverse effect - Allergies: outdoor mold has an adverse effect If a residence has been flooded, it is best to call in an expert to perform mold testing and properly clean the area.

Mold: What You Need to Know

The US Census Bureau reports that approximately 35 percent of American homes will experience water damage each year, and that damage creates the potential for mold growth. Here are some facts about mold that every homeowner should know.

The Risks

Mold can be hazardous to your health. There are many varieties of mold, and not all are dangerous, but some can cause allergic reactions, asthma, neurological problems, and other serious health symptoms. If symptoms associated with these conditions worsen while at home, the residence may have mold. Mold testing can help you determine if the property has an infestation and the severity of any mold growth.

The Signs

Don’t ignore the signs of mold. Mold is often difficult to detect, but it may be present if there's a musty smell or small patches of a dirt-like substance in moisture-rich places like the bathroom or basement. Mold appears in a variety of colors, including black, brown, green, and white.

Reduce the Risk

Keeping moisture at a minimum can reduce the chances of a mold infestation. Keep an eye on increases in the water bill for overages because this may be a sign of leaking pipes. Address any water leaks as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.

Mold can grow at an exponential rate, so professional mold testing should be performed at the first signs of infestation.

The Massachusetts Lead Law and Rental Properties

The Massachusetts Lead Inspection Law gives children six years old and younger the right to live in a lead-free home. Homes, rental and private, built before 1978 must be free of lead hazards including lead paint that is loose, uncovered, or present on windows or any other surface accessible to children.

The Law

The homeowner must employ a licensed lead inspector to test the home for lead, cite all lead hazards, and then explain how to bring the home into compliance with the law. Landlords are responsible for removing all lead hazards in a timely fashion.

Interim Control

Any remaining hazards must be addressed by "interim control," during which the homeowner is given up to two years to cover up or remove all existing lead hazards from the home. Upon completion of these actions, the homeowner is sent a Letter of Full Compliance.

Moving into a Rental

Even if the tenant moving into a rental property built before 1978 does not have children, the landlord must provide the Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification Form, a copy of the most recent lead inspection report, and a copy of the Letter of Compliance or Letter of Interim Control. If hazardous conditions are not corrected in a timely fashion, the landlord can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by the lead paint. A landlord cannot evict a tenant or refuse to rent to a family with a child under the age of six because of lead threats. This is considered discrimination and is not tolerated under the law. 

Complying with the Massachusetts Lead Law is the best way to protect both the landlord and tenant from legal and health repercussions.