Lead poisioning is everyone’s problem, Philly landlords say

New lead-abatement rules in the city of Philadelphia are prompting landlords’ calls for a universal implementation of precautions. 

Victor Pinckney, first vice president of the Homeowners Association of the Delaware Valley, said they want all rental properties to be free of lead contamination. That’s the goal of a city regulation sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Renyolds Brown.

“Since Councilwoman Brown came up with the law several years ago, we have been a supporter of the law,” he said

Pinkney says not all owners of rental properties are registered with the city — and not all of their buildings are properly inspected.

“A lot of landlords are flying under the radar for various reasons,” he said. “Some of them just don’t know.”

All homeowners should be required to test for lead because of dust that could be transferred to a lead-free home, Pinckney said.