The Vermont Attorney General’s Office has sued Burlington landlord Soon Kwon for violations of Vermont’s lead and consumer protection laws. Vermont’s lead law requires landlords to perform essential maintenance practices (known as EMPs) in all pre-1978 rental housing. Annually, an EMP compliance statement certifying completion of EMPs must be submitted to the Vermont Department of Health, to the owner’s insurance carrier, and to all tenants of the property.
The lawsuit alleges that Kwon failed to perform EMPs and filed false affidavits claiming that he performed EMPs for two properties. The lawsuit also alleges that Mr. Kwon violated a settlement agreement that he reached with the Vermont Department of Health in March 2014. In that agreement, Mr. Kwon agreed to comply with the lead law and ensure that all of his properties were in compliance.
For more information on Vermont’s lead law, see the Attorney General’s website at http://ago.vermont.gov and click on the “Lead” link under “Consumer Info.”