Ralph Hovannisian - TSCA Section 1018

Comment One: On December 12, 2007, EPA Region IX issued an administrative civil complaint against Ralph Hovannisian alleging violations of the lead-based paint disclosure requirements of Section 1018 of Title X of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, 42 U.S.C. § 4852d, and its implementing regulations found at 40 C.F.R. Part 745 (“Lead Disclosure Rule”). The complaint cited Mr. Hovannisian with 42 counts of violations of the Lead Disclosure Rule in eight leasing transactions for pre-1978 rental properties owned by him located in Fresno, California, including failure to provide a lead warning statement and lead pamphlet, failure to indicate the presence of lead-based paint or else state no knowledge of lead-based paint, failure to provide reports on lead-based paint and failure to obtain signed and dated certifications from lessees for receipt of the disclosure information. The complaint does not seek a specific penalty but rather generally pleads for penalties up to the current statutory max of $11,000 per violation. Mr. Hovannisian has thirty days to file an answer to the complaint. Comment Two: Residential property owner and manager Ralph Hovannisian did not provide federally-required lead warning statements to his tenants. He also failed to disclose information or reports on lead-based paint or lead hazards at these locations prior to tenants signing lease agreements. The tenants didn’t receive an EPA-approved lead information pamphlet