Vermont AG: Rutland landlord violated lead laws

MONTPELIER, Vt. (NEWS10) – The Rutland Superior Court docket issued a judgment the week of April 18 in a lawsuit introduced by the Legal professional Normal’s Workplace towards Rutland rental property proprietor John Ruggiero and his firms for failing to adjust to Vermont’s lead legal guidelines. Ruggiero was sued in early April after the Vermont Division of Well being heard about two youngsters residing in Ruggiero’s residences with elevated blood lead ranges.

The Consent Judgment orders Ruggiero and any rental firm he manages to instantly convey 9 rental properties into compliance, and chorus from renting any non-compliant vacant rental unit till the unit turns into compliant with Vermont’s lead legislation. Ruggiero owns over 30 rental properties in Rutland, lots of which had deteriorated paint circumstances, exposing youngsters to potential lead hazards.

“Lead is poisonous, particularly to youngsters,” mentioned Well being Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “There isn’t a protected degree of lead within the physique. It might probably decelerate a toddler’s progress, impair their growth and studying, and trigger habits issues. Since mud from lead-based paint is the primary reason for lead poisoning, landlords can forestall lead poisoning after they adjust to Vermont and federal lead-based paint laws – successfully clear up lead mud, and restore chipping or peeling paint utilizing lead-safe work practices.”

Vermont’s lead legislation requires house owners of residential rental properties constructed earlier than 1978 to submit annual compliance statements exhibiting that Important Upkeep Practices, or EMPs, have been carried out. These practices assist forestall lead poisoning in youngsters. Along with submitting annual compliance statements to the Division of Well being, property house owners are additionally required to inform residents about any identified info on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards. This consists of offering residents with the Defend Your Household from Lead in Your Residence booklet, details about learn how to report deteriorated paint, and the rental unit’s EMP compliance statements.

The Division of Well being is answerable for overseeing compliance with Vermont’s lead legislation. EMP compliance statements can be found on-line on the Division of Well being’s web site. Data and assets about Vermont’s lead legislation for property house owners are additionally obtainable on the Division’s web site.