Lead Inspection - Necessity?

[NumberCruncher]

looking to buy a condo in a complex that was converted after the lead laws.

Asked a lead inspector about it and he said:

"The lead laws apply when the building was built, so even if it was
 converted after 1978, if it was built before 1978, it must be
 inspected.

It is most likely that there is little to no lead paint there since it
 was converted in the 80’s. It would have to be inspected if you wanted
 to get a certificate. An inspection would include the interior of the
 unit, all common areas that apply to that unit (common halls, stairs,
 etc), and the exterior. An inspection would be $275."

The property is not included in a state database for lead safety. Should we definitely get an inspection to be certified lead free? Asking several people, including the inspector, it sounds like the place most likely does not have lead paint - but we can't be sure...advice?

[tooqk4u22]

If the $275 gets you certification in a state database that means you won't have to disclose to future buyers about potential lead paint then that would seem worth the money. 

If you don't get this then it is not worth it and my guess is your inspector is just trying to get more fees out of you by playing on your fears - rules vary by market and may be different if this is a rental.

Normally, all sales require disclosure and it doesn't impead the sale as it is common and as long as the lead paint is not chalky or pealing and your kid doesn't chew on the sills then it is not an issue. 

[velocistar237]

If your building was build before 1978, there could be lead paint. Someone converting a condo in the 80's probably didn't even think about the issue.

The MO in Massachusetts is plausible deniability. If you test for lead and find it, then you have to disclose that fact to future buyers. If you have children under 6, you have to mitigate, which can be thousands of dollars, not to mention unsafe. Everyone tries to avoid testing for it, since the safest thing to do is not disturb it. That, and get a coir door mat.

What kind of test is it? Is it a chemical test or an XRF test? Would the inspector be allowed to take paint samples (minor damage to walls and trim work)? An XRF test for $275 sounds like a low price. If it's just a visual inspection, then no, it's not worth it.