Owners and Lead Paint CLPPPCM20138 FAQ:CM20138 FAQ 1/28/11 10:42 AM Page 5
LEAD POISONING
Information for
Property Owners
Lead poisons children. Most children get lead poisoning from
lead dust and lead paint in old homes. As a property owner, you
must protect children from lead poisoning.
The Massachusetts Lead Law
The Lead Law says owners must remove or cover lead paint
hazards in homes built before 1978 if a child under 6 lives
there. Lead paint hazards include loose paint and lead paint
on windows or other places that children can reach.
The only way to know if you have lead in your home is to have
it tested by a licensed inspector. Go to www.mass.gov/dph/clppp
to find a licensed lead inspector near you.
If there is lead in your home, you must remove or cover it.
There are different ways to do this. Call CLPPP to learn
more. http://tinyurl.com/maleadinfo
Who can remove or cover the lead?
Removing or covering lead is called deleading. Some work must
be done by a licensed deleader. But you can do most deleading
work yourself if you get trained and authorized. You may need to
help tenants find a place to stay (at your expense) until the work
is done. To learn more, call CLPPP and ask for a copy of the
Deleading Book.
What about money?
There is money to help property owners pay for
deleading. Encourage property owners to call the
Get the Lead Out program at 1-617-854-1000.
Owners may be eligible for a state income tax
credit of up to $1,500 if they delead their home.
http://tinyurl.com/malead-financial-help
Call for free: 1-800-532-9571
Assistance available in other languages.
CM20138 FAQ:CM20138 FAQ 1/28/11 10:43 AM Page 6
Before You Rent or Sell
What You Need to Know
Tenant Notification and Certification
When you rent a home built before 1978, you must give
tenants these papers before they sign a rental agreement,
even if they do not have children:
Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification form
• A copy of the most recent lead inspection report, if it exists
• A copy of any Letter of Compliance or Letter of Interim
Control, if it exists
• Any information about lead in the home.
Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification
When a buyer is about to purchase a home built before 1978, you must give them:
• Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification form
• A signed Property Transfer Lead Paint Certification form
• Any information about lead in the home
• A copy of any lead inspection report, Letter of Compliance, or Letter of Interim Control
• A 10 day period to have the home inspected for lead at the buyer’s expense before
the Purchase and Sale.
All Notification and Certification forms are available at www.mass.gov/dph/clppp
Penalties and Liability
You cannot evict or refuse to rent to someone because of lead paint. This is discrimination. It is
illegal. If a child is poisoned by lead, you are responsible. Complying with the Lead Law is the
best protection you have from liability. If you do not comply with the law, you could face civil and
criminal penalties.
Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program (CLPPP)
Call: 1-800-532-9571 or 1-617-624-5757
TTY: 1-617-624-5286
Email: clppp@state.ma.us
On the web: www.mass.gov/dph/clppp
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Bureau of Environmental Health
www.mass.gov/dph/clppp
2015