TREC No. 56-0

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Addendum — Plain English

Required by federal law for residential dwellings built before 1978 — Seller's disclosure, Buyer's inspection rights, and certification, translated into plain English.

The Big Idea Behind This Form

Seller tells Buyer what Seller knows about lead paint → Buyer chooses whether to inspect or waive inspection → Buyer confirms receipt of the required information → parties/brokers certify the disclosure. Used for residential property where the dwelling was built before 1978.

B1 vs B2B1 = what does Seller KNOW? B2 = what DOCUMENTS does Seller HAVE? A Seller could have no actual knowledge but an old report, or actual knowledge but no report currently available — they are separate questions.

C1 vs C2C1 = Buyer gives up the special lead inspection opportunity. C2 = Buyer keeps the inspection opportunity and related termination right. This is the buyer’s actual decision, not something an agent selects automatically.

C2’s Two Deadlines10 days = inspection period. 14 days = written termination-notice deadline if lead hazards are present. They are not the same deadline.

"No Actual Knowledge" ≠ "No Lead Paint"B1(b) only says Seller does not actually know of any — it is not a guarantee that none exists.

The Whole Form in One Cheat Sheet

Quick reference for every section:

TopWhich property?

AFederal lead warning

B1What does Seller KNOW?

B2What reports/documents does Seller HAVE?

C1Buyer waives lead inspection opportunity

C2Buyer keeps lead inspection opportunity

D1Buyer received Seller’s information

D2Buyer received federal pamphlet

EBroker compliance acknowledgment

FEveryone signs/certifies accuracy

The 5 things to watch most carefully: (1) confirm the dwelling is pre-1978 before using this form; (2) don’t confuse "no actual knowledge" with "there is no lead paint"; (3) B1 and B2 are separate questions; (4) C1 vs C2 is the buyer’s actual choice; (5) remember the two C2 deadlines — 10 days for inspection, 14 days for written termination notice. Easiest memory trick: Seller discloses → Buyer chooses inspect or waive → Buyer confirms receipt → everyone certifies.

Page 1

Warning, Disclosure, Buyer Rights, Acknowledgment & Certification

Top — Property Address

"Concerning the Property at ______" — enter the street address and city of the property being purchased. Example: 123 Main Street, Houston, Texas.
This connects the lead-paint addendum to the correct purchase contract.

A. Lead Warning Statement

No blanks or checkboxes. This is the federally required warning explaining that homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and that lead exposure is especially dangerous to young children and pregnant women.
A risk assessment or inspection is recommended before purchase, and the inspector must be properly certified as required by federal law.

B1 — Presence of Lead-Based Paint / Hazards (check ONE box only)

(a) Known lead-based paint and/or hazards ARE present — check this if Seller has actual knowledge. Then explain what Seller knows (e.g. "Prior inspection identified lead-based paint on original window trim").
(b) Seller has NO ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE — check this if Seller does not actually know of lead-based paint or hazards.

Easy meaning for (b): "Seller is not saying there definitely is no lead paint. Seller is saying Seller does not actually know of any." That distinction matters.

B2 — Records and Reports Available to Seller (check ONE box only)

(a) Seller HAS records/reports — check this when Seller has available records/reports and list the documents (e.g. lead inspection report, risk assessment, remediation report).
(b) Seller has NO reports or records — check this if Seller has none to provide.

B1 and B2 are different questions: B1 = what does Seller KNOW? B2 = what DOCUMENTS does Seller HAVE? A Seller could have no actual knowledge but an old report, or actual knowledge but no report currently available.

C. Buyer's Rights (check ONE box only) — one of the most important parts of the form

C1 — Buyer WAIVES the opportunity to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for lead-based paint or hazards. No blank to fill in. Because this waives a buyer right, it should reflect the buyer’s actual decision, not something selected automatically by the agent.
C2 — Buyer KEEPS the inspection right. The time periods are already printed into the form: Buyer has 10 days after the Effective Date to have the property inspected. If lead-based paint or hazards are present, Buyer may terminate by giving written notice within 14 days after the Effective Date, and earnest money is refunded to Buyer.

Easy example: Effective Date June 1, Buyer chooses C2 — inspection must happen within 10 days after June 1; if hazards are found, written termination notice is due within 14 days after June 1. The 10-day inspection period and 14-day termination-notice deadline are NOT the same deadline.

D. Buyer's Acknowledgment (check applicable boxes — both may apply)

D1 — Buyer has received copies of all information listed above (Seller’s disclosure/documents).
D2 — Buyer has received the pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."

Unlike B and C, this is not "check one only" — both D1 and D2 can be checked when applicable.

E. Brokers' Acknowledgment

No boxes to fill in. States that brokers have informed Seller of Seller’s federal obligations under 42 U.S.C. 4852d: provide the approved lead pamphlet, complete this addendum, disclose known lead hazards, provide available records/reports, give Buyer up to 10 days for inspection, and retain a completed copy of the addendum for at least 3 years after the sale.
Brokers acknowledge their responsibility to ensure compliance.

F. Certification of Accuracy — Signatures

Everyone signing certifies that, to the best of their knowledge, the information they provided is true and accurate.
Signature/date lines for: Buyer, Buyer, Seller, Seller, Buyer’s Broker, Seller’s Broker.

Want the original PDF handy?

Open the actual TREC form alongside this plain-English guide.