Asbestos, Lead-Based Paint, and Radon. When do these environmental issues need to be evaluated as part of an Affordable Housing acquisition and/or rehabilitation project?

Asbestos was widely used in building materials, and other products, up through the early 1980s. While not widely used in building materials today, asbestos-containing materials are not completely banned in building materials that are used in the United States. Assessment of buildings for asbestos-containing materials is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State agencies prior to any renovation or demolition project regardless of construction date. As such many lenders and/or investors will require some level of asbestos assessment as part of the environmental due diligence process. Management of a property with asbestos-containing materials will also have continuing obligations to maintain these materials in good condition.

Lead-based paint was used extensively but was banned for residential use in 1978; therefore, any residential property built prior to January 1, 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Acquisition and/or renovation of an affordable housing development constructed prior to 1978 should include an evaluation of lead-based paint. Lenders have varying requirements for the assessment of lead-based paint and that may determine the level of evaluation, testing and/or assessment that will be required. Management of a property with lead-based paint will also have continuing obligations to maintain this paint in good condition and to notify residents of its presence.

氡是一种天然存在的无色，无味的气体，可以从地下或在某些情况下迁移到建筑物中。氡是肺癌的第二个主要原因。虽然该国的某些部分具有更高的氡气入侵潜力，但它可以在任何地方的建筑物中找到。应考虑对氡的测试，在大多数情况下，贷方和融资伙伴需要在获得现有经济适用房地产或在占用新的发展之前。此外，鉴于氡气侵入的可能性，应将氡抗性结构（包括氡气缓解控制的安装）的使用作为主动措施。

Braun Intertec can help you understand the regulatory and financing-driven requirements to make sure the appropriate level of evaluation is conducted as part of your due diligence or rehabilitation process. If you are attending the upcoming virtualAffordable Housing Summit5月12日至13日，2021年，由Braun Inter雷竞技好Newbee赞助商tec的虚拟展台停止。我们希望有机会讨论这些问题或有关环境尽职调查过程的任何问题。