42 U.S.C. § 4856
Reports of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (42 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
The Secretary shall transmit to the Congress an annual report that— sets forth the Secretary’s assessment of the progress made in implementing the various programs authorized by this chapter; summarizes the most current health and environmental studies on childhood lead poisoning, including studies that analyze the relationship between interim control and abatement activities and the incidence of lead poisoning in resident children; recommends legislative and administrative initiatives that may improve the performance by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in combating lead hazards through the expansion of lead hazard evaluation and reduction activities; describes the results of research carried out in accordance with subchapter III; and estimates the amount of Federal assistance annually expended on lead hazard evaluation and reduction activities. 24 months after , and at the end of every 24-month period thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the Congress on the progress of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in implementing expanded lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction activities. The report shall— assess the effectiveness of in making the public aware of lead-based paint hazards; estimate the extent to which lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction activities are being conducted in the various categories of housing; monitor and report expenditures for lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction for programs within the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; identify the infrastructure needed to eliminate lead-based paint hazards in all housing as expeditiously as possible, including cost-effective technology, standards and regulations, trained and certified contractors, certified laboratories, liability insurance, private financing techniques, and appropriate Government subsidies; assess the extent to which the infrastructure described in subparagraph (D) exists, make recommendations to correct shortcomings, and provide estimates of the costs of measures needed to build an adequate infrastructure; and include any additional information that the Secretary deems appropriate.
Under 42 U.S.C. § 4856, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is required to submit regular reports to Congress covering the federal government's efforts to address lead-based paint hazards in housing. These reports must include assessments of program progress, summaries of relevant health research on childhood lead poisoning, and estimates of federal spending on lead hazard evaluation and reduction. Every 24 months, an additional report is required that examines public awareness efforts, the state of the infrastructure needed to eliminate lead-based paint hazards, and the effectiveness of ongoing reduction activities across different housing categories.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under HUD-assisted or HUD-regulated programs should be aware that 42 U.S.C. § 4856 creates a congressional oversight mechanism for lead hazard activities nationwide. The periodic reports required by this provision can signal shifts in federal enforcement priorities, funding availability, and regulatory standards related to lead-based paint. Operators who track these reports generally stay better positioned to anticipate changes in lead hazard evaluation and reduction requirements that may affect their properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
42 U.S.C. § 4856 establishes a public accountability structure by requiring HUD to regularly report to Congress on the nation's progress in addressing lead-based paint hazards, including in residential housing. Tenants concerned about lead hazards in their homes can look to these reports as a resource for understanding the broader federal landscape, including what programs exist and how effectively they are being implemented. Those seeking more immediate assistance may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, a housing agency, or a rent board where applicable to learn about available protections and complaint processes.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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