Insure Contractors? Make Sure They're Aware of New Law
April 28, 2010

The EPA's new regulation to reduce lead paint dust took effect April 22. The regulation requires contractors working on homes, child-care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be trained and EPA certified in handling lead paint. They're also required to provide a copy of the EPA's lead hazard information packet to homeowners before starting any work. Contractors can be fined up to $37,000 a day if they fail to comply. 

Rental property owners must also comply with the regulation if they plan to perform renovations, repairs or paint jobs on properties built before 1978. Before beginning work, they're also required to give tenants a lead hazard information packet and have them sign a pre-renovation form.

Homeowners performing work on their own homes are not required to adhere to the new rule. However, the EPA suggests they follow the guidelines to ensure occupants' safety, especially children age six and under or pregnant women.


• EPA-required brochure
• Small Entity Compliance Guide
• How contractors can get certified
• Full text of the final EPA rule