Lead-Based Paint

Federal Regulations

Federal regulations authorized by the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1993 continue to evolve and several of the initial regulations have been modified by the publication of more recently released rules.  Pre-1978 properties which have not been found to be free of lead by a state-certified inspector using the approved federal protocol must comply with regulations that vary depending on whether the property receives federal assistance including housing choice vouchers. 

Click on each regulatory requirement below for the regulations, compliance guidance and more resources.

  • Disclosure Regulations
    Require owners and managers of residential dwellings to provide buyers and lessees with a lead hazard information pamphlet (Protect Your Family) and disclosure of any available information regarding lead-based paint at the property.

  • Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Regulations 
    Effective April 2010 for owners of market-rate and federally assisted properties built before 1978.  Require owners to use a trained or certified renovator for renovation or repair work that disturbs more than six square feet of surface area for interior work or 20 square feet for exterior work and notify residents and provide them with a copy of an EPA pamphlet (Renovate Right). These rules are subject to change, however, as a result of legal settlement between EPA and Sierra Club on August 26, 2009.  

  • Regulations for Federally Assisted Properties
    Lead-safe housing regulations for properties that receive federal assistance. Covers prohibited techniques, worker training, resident notification and more.

    Federally assisted properties must also comply with comparable--but not identical--Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Regulations.  The RRP rules state that federally assisted properties must comply with the more stringent elements of both the LSH and RRP regulations.

  • Worker Training and Certification Regulations
    Addresses requirements for certifying and training professionals involved in lead paint risk assessment, inspection, abatement or related work in public or private housing.

  • Lead Hazards Regulation
    A health-based standard for lead in dust and soil.  While the rule does not compel owners to take any particular action or perform any specific abatement procedure, EPA states that it expects third parties, such as mortgage and insurance underwriters, to compel cleanup actions in accordance with the standards.     

Additional Resources