How to Get a Landlord to Fix Lead Solder in Water Lines
A toddler in New Jersey was tested at the pediatrician's office for lead exposure, and was found to have elevated levels of lead. The parents obtained a test kit and found that there is lead solder used on the water lines leading to the kitchen sink. How can they require their landlord to replace the water lines, or release them from their lease?
Re: How to Get a Landlord to Fix Lead Solder in Water Lines
If the landlord won't voluntarily address the issue, the parents should contact their local health department for investigation and enforcement.
The parents should be certain to run the water for long enough to flush any standing water out of the pipes before consuming any of the water. The parents should also be aware that there is a significant possibility that the lead exposure is coming from additional sources, perhaps as the primary source of lead exposure, such as from lead based paint used in the house.
If the health department identifies a lead problem, it can order the landlord to fix the problem. The identification of a lead problem can also support a tenant's action to have the lead removed as a public nuisance. See N.J.S.A. 24:14A-5; N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.