EPA Lead Rule Takes Effect Today
EPA's new "Lead Rule" takes effect today,
April 22, requiring contractors, proper manager and others paid to renovate
structures built before 1978 to be certified by the U.S.Environmental
Proctection Agency. The rule could have a significant impact on
dealers with installed sales operations and their contractor customers. The
NLBMDA had formally urged EPA to delay implementation of the rule until a
sufficient number of certified firms, trained renovators, and approved test
kits were made available, however EPA is moving ahead with implementation
today.
IN BRIEF: REQUIREMENTS FOR RENOVATION CONTRACTORS:
CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
Company Certification: All firms performing renovation,
repair or painting work on homes constructed prior to 1978 must
become certified by the EPA. This can be accomplished by
applying to the EPA or to the State, if it has an EPA-authorized
renovation program, and paying a fee. Wisconsin is one of
those states.
Individual Certification: In addition, firms must
have one or more "Certified Renovators" assigned to jobs where lead-based
paint is disturbed. To become certified, a renovator must successfully
complete an EPA or State-approved training course conducted by an EPA or
State-accredited training provider.
Exemption from the RRP Rule; "Opt-out" provision:
Training, certificaiton and work practice requirements currently do not
apply where the firm obtains a signed statement from the owner that all of
the following conditions are met:
The renovation will occur in the owner's residence;
No child under age 6 resides there;
No Woman who is pregnant resides there;
The housing is not a child-occupied facility; and, the owner acknowledges
that the renovation firm will not be required to use the work practices
contained in the rule.
Note: EPA is considering removing the "opt-out" provision, but
the EPA has not yet made a determination so the opt-out provision is intact
for now.
Visit the EPA LRRP website for more info,
click here
Extension
and Expansion to Home Buyer
Tax Credits Passed!
• The $8,000
credit for first-time home buyers is extended until April 30, 2010.
• Repeat buyers, (who have resided in their current residence for 5 of
the last 8 years,) are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit, also up until
April 30, 2010.
• Contracts for purchases must be signed by May 1, 2010 and closings
must occur prior to June 30, 2010 for both credits
• The tax credits do not have to be repaid and can be claimed in either
the 2009 or the 2010 tax year
• The buyer must live in the home at least three years or face credit
recapture; Income eligibility for both groups is up to $125,000 for
individuals and $225,000 for couples
• Price of the home must be under $800,000
All of this is good
news for the housing industry. As the existing home inventory has gradually
been decreasing in the Ann Arbor area, this should speed our recovery along
and get the new home market moving again!Useful Links.
Here are some industry specific links as well
as news, sports and fun places you may want to visit.
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