Lead-safe renovation for homeowners

When lead paint is removed, companies and other entities must be licensed, when lead paint is disturbed.

Renovation, repair, and painting work conducted for a fee in housing built before to 1978 and child-occupied facilities where more than 6 square feet of painted surface per room is disturbed on the interior of a building, or more than 20 square feet of painted surface on the exterior of a building, must be carried out by lead-safe renovation (LSR) contractor. Licensed LSR contractors must have a trained and certified LSR supervisor on their staff. Under Massachusetts regulations, a LSR supervisor is required to be on site at all times while renovation work is in progress.

Deleading versus lead-safe renovation

Deleading vs. renovation, repair, and painting: What's the difference?

While deleading activities conducted in residences and child-occupied facilities often involve work methods similar to those typically used in lead safe renovation (LSR) activities, such as replacing windows, painting and installing vinyl siding, the two types of activities are distinct from each other in terms of purpose and effect.

Deleading work is work done to achieve compliance with the Massachusetts lead law through the abatement of lead paint hazards. When completed, deleading work leads to the issuance of a document called a letter of compliance, which indicates that the property has met deleading requirements administered by the Childhood Lead Poisoning Program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (CLPPP) under the Massachusetts Lead Law and 105 CMR 460.000. Sometimes, deleading work takes place after the owner has received an order to bring the property into compliance with the Massachusetts Lead Law. Other times, the owner voluntarily decides to delead the property and seek a letter of compliance.

Renovation work (Lead-Safe Renovation - LSR work) is work conducted for a fee that disturbs more than threshold amounts of painted surfaces in pre-1978 residences (target housing) and child-occupied facilities (kindergartens, daycares, etc.), where the purpose of the work is other than the abatement of lead paint hazards or the achievement of a letter of compliance. Renovation work is often carried out to repair, upgrade, or beautify the property.

Once you have made the initial determination regarding whether your project is a renovation project or a deleading project, the next question is how to choose a contractor who is licensed and qualified to perform the work. Find a licensed deleader, lead-safe renovator, or read the lead-safe contractor information bulletin, a helpful guide on choosing a lead-safe renovation contractor.

Lead-safe renovation contractor property owner checklist

If your home was built before 1978, it may contain dangerous lead paint. When you renovate, repair, or paint, hire a licensed lead-safe renovation contractor. Property owners can use the checklist to mark off the contractor’s progress.

Additional Resources

Find a Lead-safe renovation contractor

Contact   for Lead-safe renovation for homeowners

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Deleading and lead safety information (617) 626-6965

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