Watercolour of a small house at dusk, with the water meter cover in the sidewalk out front.

I rent. What do I do about lead pipes?

The pipe belongs to the building's owner. What to ask your landlord and how to protect yourself meanwhile.

Ask your landlord what the pipe is made of, and send them your water company's record. The pipe under the yard belongs to the building's owner, and so do the pipes and taps inside. In an apartment building, look up the building's street address. Until it's sorted, a filter that removes lead and the cold-water habits protect you the same way they protect an owner. You can also ask for a water test yourself; if it finds lead, tell your landlord in writing.

More answers