Washington State Real Estate Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

The required disclosure for homes built before 1978 is the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Disclosure. This requirement stems from the recognition of the health risks associated with lead-based paint, which was commonly used in residential properties until its ban in 1978. The federal law mandates that sellers and landlords of properties built before this year inform potential buyers and tenants about the presence of lead-based paint and provide them with an EPA-approved information pamphlet detailing the hazards.

This disclosure is critical in promoting awareness of lead poisoning, especially for children, and is a key component of real estate transactions involving older homes. The focus on lead-based paint specifically is due to its widespread use in older properties and the serious health implications it poses, making it a unique requirement in comparison to disclosures related to other materials or issues, such as asbestos, electrical wiring, or pest control.