Do you have questions about lead paint laws? This courtesty of MMHA…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has new Lead Renovation, Repair & Panting (RRP)rules for residential property owners, managers, landlords, paid contractors, and maintenance professionals performing renovations or disturbing pre-1978 housing.  What activities are subject to the lead renovation, repair and painting program? In general, any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing including:  Remodeling, repair, maintenance, electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, and window replacement.

Beginning April 22, 2010 anyone performing renovations to pre-1978 housing must be a ‘Certified Renovator’ by an EPA accredited trainer.  MMHA is pleased to offer the EPA Certified Renovator classes for our members’ maintenance teams or anyone needing the EPA Renovator Certification.  Participants from this full day course will learn lead-safe work practices including containment, cleaning, and record keeping.  Currently classes are taught in English and all participants attending must speak, read and understand English.  Certification from these courses will be valid for five years. 
Download Registration for EPA Renovation Certification Class Here

Beginning April 22, 2010 any company that employs workers who perform renovations or repairs on pre-1978 housing are required to become a ‘Certified Renovation Firm’ to be in compliance with federal law.  Companies must directly register with the EPA as a “Renovation Firm.” The renovation firm certification is good for five years and costs $300.  Download Firm Certification Application Here 

Pre-renovation education requirements – Effective now.

Landlords who renovate, repair, or prepare surfaces for painting in pre-1978 rental housing must, before beginning work, provide tenants with a copy of EPA’s lead hazard information pamphlet (20 pp, 3.3MB) and have the tenant sign the Renovate Right acknowledgement form.

The following are exceptions to the new rules:

·         Housing built in 1978 or later

·         Housing for elderly or disabled persons, unless children under 6 reside or are expected to reside there.

·         Zero-bedroom dwellings (studio apartments, dormitories, etc.).

·         Housing or components declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor.

·         Minor repair and maintenance activities that disturb 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior of a home or building. Note: minor repair and maintenance activities do not include window replacement and projects involving demolition or prohibited practices.

Further Reading from the EPA:

Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF)

Sample recordkeeping checklist (PDF)

EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF)

Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (PDF)

Contractors: Lead Safety During Renovation (PDF)

Jonathan Clay

Legislative Analyst

Metro Multifamily Housing Association

P: 503-226-4533 x107

F: 503-228-8303

jonathan@metromultifamily.com

Promoting Quality Rental Housing