New Lead Paint Regulations for Pre-1978 Housing

As of April 22, 2010, there are important new federal lead-based paint regulations to take into account if you’re having any work done in a home built prior to 1978.  Here’s a quote from the lead-based paint information page on the EPA website (emphasis mine):

“EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.”

“The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.”

Note that if you’re a homeowner doing the work yourself on your own home, the rule does not apply to you; however, if you are doing work on your pre-1978 rental property or pre-1978 space rented by a child-care facility you are required to be EPA-certified and follow certain procedures regarding disclosure to tenants, etc. (details on the EPA web page.)

Here’s a link to the EPA pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools.

Homeowner Opt-Out Waiver:

For now, homeowners hiring a remodeling firm or contractor for work that would normally qualify for the lead-based paint regulation can opt out of the EPA certification requirement by signing a waiver stating that no children under the agent of six regularly visit the home, no one in the home is pregnant, and the property is not a child-occupied facility.

However, amendments that go into effect on July 6, 2010 remove this opt-out waiver option.  More information on changes to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule on the National Association of Home Builders website.

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