Three U.S. Government agencies announce a settlement with a Rockford landlord to resolve a claim he failed to inform tenants, some with young children, that their homes may contain potentially dangerous lead.

According to the Federal Government, Dennis Hardesty violated the Residential Lead Act by failing to inform tenants in 50 rental properties throughout Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park of lead-based paint hazards potentially inside.

Hardesty will have to pay $308,000 worth of lead abatement work, as well as $5,000 in penalties. Going forward, he will have to ensure that he will provide information about lead-based paint to tenants before they are obligated to sign any lease.

“This settlement will protect children in Rockford from exposure to lead-based paint – and it sends a clear message to landlords and property managers across the county that the Environmental Protection Agency is prioritizing enforcement actions to eliminate elevated blood lead levels in children,” said EPA Administrator Susan Hedman.

Winnebago County Health Department officials identified at least seven children with elevated blood lead levels in the properties Hardesty leased.

The settlement represents the first joint Residential Lead Act enforcement action in Rockford.