VA Loans and Lead Paint: What You Need to Know

Lead-based paint can raise concerns for any buyer. The ingestion of lead-based paint chips or dust is linked to nervous system damage, kidney damage and reproductive problems.

The United States celebrated a major public health victory in the 1970s after legislation that reduced lead pollution led to a significant drop in blood lead levels. With millions of American homes still containing lead paint, the VA has strict rules to protect potential Veteran homebuyers from lead poisoning.

VA Requirements for Lead Paint

Lead-based paint can also pose financing hazards to a potential VA loan borrower. The VA requires that loose lead-based paint be treated and removed before a VA loan can move toward approval.

While vague on some property guidelines, the VA offers clear-cut rules regarding lead-based paint: “Lead-based paint constitutes an immediate hazard that must be corrected unless testing shows that lead is not present in the paint at a level above that permitted by law.”

But note that even if the home was built after 1978, the appraiser may still require that defective paint conditions be corrected to meet the VA’s minimum property requirements. Ultimately, it’s up to the appraiser and the home’s paint condition.

It’s important to note that the appraiser is not responsible for testing or confirming the presence of lead-based paint. The appraiser’s duty is simply to report a defective paint condition. The testing is a separate process and is usually done by a certified lead-based paint professional.

How to Properly Remove Lead Paint

If lead paint is found on the property, the VA has specific instructions on how to proceed.

The area containing lead paint must be:

• Thoroughly washed and cleaned to ensure the removal of all paint
• Removed or covered with a material like plywood or plaster before new painting can occur if the original surface cannot be maintained
• Repainted with two coats of non-leaded paint

Once repairs are completed, the VA will send an appraiser to do a “compliance inspection.” The VA appraiser will ensure that the defective paint has been properly treated and that the property now meets the VA’s minimum property requirements.