A total of16 Chicago property management companies will conduct $2.3 million in lead-based paint cleanup as part of a settlement with the government.

Wilmette Real Estate & Management, WR Property Management, 14 affiliated companies and owner Cameel Halim settled violation claims from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environment Protection Agency.

HUD and the EPA alleged these firms did not warn homebuyers and renters of possible lead-based paint hazards.

As a result, the companies will replace windows or remove the paint in 14 buildings containing 463 units and clean porch surfaces on 10 buildings within five years.

Along with the $2.3 million cost, the companies will pay a $125,000 fine.

“It’s absolutely critical that families have the right information so that they can protect their children’s health,” said Jon Gant, director of the HUD office of healthy homes and lead hazard control. “This settlement sends a message to landlords of housing across the country that they make sure to properly disclose the required lead information to the families they rent to.”

— Jon Prior