Leveraging the perspectives and experiences of landlords and property managers for lead poisoning prevention

Children residing in rental properties are at risk for lead exposure. This study examines experiences of landlords related to lead poisoning. An electronic survey was distributed nationally to a convenience sample of landlords and property managers through social media; a subset of participants provided additional context through qualitative interviews. Knowledge, perceptions, and sources of information related to lead were inconsistent among survey participants (n = 82). Most (53%) identified cost as the biggest barrier to lead abatement. Some (19%) reported that real estate documents requiring disclosure of only “known” lead hazards discouraged them from testing for lead. In interviews (n = 8), landlords described an effort to ‘do the right thing’ but reported barriers to doing so. Many landlords and property managers had some knowledge of lead and a desire to keep tenants safe from lead exposure, but knowledge gaps remain. Landlord-facing interventions such as systematic education and expanded access to grant programs may be useful for lead poisoning prevention in rental properties.