Valley Property Partners of Moorhead, “House Dudes”, Fined Over Lead Paint

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR: updated 12/4/24) — Valley Property Partners of Moorhead, doing business as “House Dudes”, is ordered to pay around $4,200 in restitution and fines for failing to disclose that a house it sold in 2019 contained lead-based paint.

The disclosure is required under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Two kids living in the house in Hillsboro, North Dakota were diagnosed in 2022 with elevated blood lead levels.

An inspection found lead-based paint in multiple areas including the playroom.

A U.S. Magistrate judge also ordered the company to perform 50 hours of community service.

Valley Property Partners has agreed to include a notice on its website about the harmful effects of lead-based paint exposure.

“The Toxic Substances Control Act protects kids and homebuyers, and while most sellers make the required disclosures in good faith, there can be serious health impacts on children when the law is violated,” U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider said.

“As this case shows, there are also legal consequences for the violators. I want to thank our career prosecutors and their federal and state partners for providing accountability and reaching a fair outcome in this case.”