How much time are buyers generally allowed to conduct a lead-paint investigation on a property?

In residential real estate transactions, especially those involving properties built before 1978, buyers are generally allowed a 10-day period to conduct a lead-paint investigation. This timeframe is established under the federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which mandates that sellers must disclose known hazards and provide buyers with the opportunity to have lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment.

The 10 days is designed to give buyers sufficient time to make an informed decision regarding the potential risks associated with lead paint, which can have serious health implications, particularly for young children and pregnant women. If buyers need more time, they can potentially negotiate for an extension, but the standard timeframe set by regulations is 10 days.

Other time frames, such as 5, 15, or 20 days, do not conform to the federal requirements for lead-paint investigations and would not provide the necessary time buyers typically need to complete the inspection process effectively.