a handbook 

for contractors, 

property managers,

and maintenance 

personnel

Education Rule

Education Rule
● It requires distribution of the lead pamphlet, Protect Your Family 

from Lead in Your Home, to the owners and occupants before starting

renovation work.

● Renovation includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities that disturb painted surfaces. 

● Lead PRE implements Section 406(b) of the Toxic Substances Control

Act (TCSA).

About This Handbook

● This handbook summarizes Lead PRE and how to comply with it. To

ensure compliance, you should also read the rule.

● Key terms are highlighted in bold and are explained on pages 8-10.

Who Should Read This Handbook? 

● Anyone who owns or manages housing built before 1978.

● Contractors who perform renovations (including certain repairs and

maintenance) which disturb paint in homes built before 1978.

How Can This Handbook Help Me?

● This handbook presents simple steps to follow to comply with Lead PRE

It also lists ways these steps can be easily incorporated into your work.

● Having demonstrated knowledge of lead requirements and safety practices can mean more business for you.

● Distributing the lead pamphlet to your customers and tenants can help

them protect themselves and their children from the hazards of leadbased paint.

● This handbook describes the law. It also explains the proper steps to

take to avoid potentially significant civil (monetary) and criminal fines

and penalties.
post office.

3. For work in common areas of multi-family housing, distribute 

renovation notices to tenants.

4. Retain records for 3 years. 

(See page 4 for more details)

Who Must Follow These Requirements? 

In general, anyone whose compensated work disturbs paint in housing

built before 1978, including:

– Residential rental property owners/managers

– General contractors

– Special trade contractors, including

• Painters

• Plumbers

• Carpenters

• Electricians

Bold Type = Key Terms (see pages 8–10) 1
What Housing Or Activities 

Are Excluded From Lead PRE?

● Housing built in 1978 or later

● Housing for the elderly or disabled persons (unless children will

reside there)

● Zero-bedroom dwellings (studio apartment, dormitories, etc.)

● Housing or components declared lead-free by a certified inspector o

risk assessor

● Emergency renovations and repairs

● Minor repairs and maintenance that disturb two square feet or less

of paint per component

2
YES

YES

NO

3

NO

Does this job involve renovations

which disturb painted surfaces?

Are ANY of the following conditions present?

– The work is an emergency renovation

– The work is a lead abatement project

– The work consists of minor repairs or

maintenance that disturbs 2 square feet

or less of painted surfaces

– The housing or its components have

been determined to be lead-based paint

free by a certified inspector or risk

assessor

– The housing is a zero-bedroom dwelling

(studio apartments, dormitories, etc.)

– The housing is housing for the elderly or

disabled AND children are not expected

to reside there

If no, then you need to provide the lead pamphlet (see page 4).

Lead 

PRE 

Does 

Not 

Apply

If Any

Yes

If All No

Bold Type = Key Terms (see pages 8–10)
4

1. Provide owner with lead pamphlet using either

procedure described in Box 1 above.

2. Notify tenants and make pamphlet available.

3. Maintain written documentation describing notification procedures.

4. Provide supplemental renovation notice if

changes occur in location, timing, or scope of 

renovation occurring.

1. Provide lead pamphlet to owner using either

procedure described in Box 1 above.

2. Provide lead pamphlet to tenant by either method

below:

(a) Deliver pamphlet to dwelling unit before renovation begins and document delivery with

either a confirmation of receipt of lead pamphlet or a self-certification of delivery.

OR

(b) Mail lead pamphlet to tenant at least 7 days

prior to renovation and document with a certificate of mailing

Renovations in

Common Areas

of Multi-Family 

Housing Units

Renovations in

Tenant-Occupied

Dwelling Units

OR

Mail lead pamphlet to owner 7 days before renovation begins and document with certificate of mailing

Renovations in

Owner-Occupied 

Dwelling Units

For all options keep records for 3 years after renovation is completed. 

(Sample Forms on pages 11 and 12.)

Box 2

Box 3
ppy

What if I renovate my own home?

Lead PRE applies only to renovations performed for compensation; therefore, if you work on your own home Lead PRE does not apply.

Is a renovation performed by a landlord or employees of 

a property management firm considered a compensated

renovation under Lead PRE?

Yes. The receipt of rent payments or salaries derived from rent payments

is considered compensation under Lead PRE. Therefore, renovation activities performed by landlords or employees of landlords are covered.

Do I have to give out the lead pamphlet 7 days prior to

beginning renovation activities?

The 7-day advance delivery requirement applies only when you deliver the

lead pamphlet via mail; otherwise, you may deliver the pamphlet anytime

before the renovation begins. Note, however, that the renovation must begin

within 60 days of the date that the pamphlet is delivered. So for example, if

your renovation is to begin May 30, you may deliver the pamphlet in person

anytime between April 1 and start of the project on May 30, or you may

deliver the pamphlet via mail anytime between April 1 and May 23.

Bold Type = Key Terms (see pages 8–10) 5
paperwork.

3. If a tenant is not home or refuses to sign the form, you may use

the “self-certification” section of the form (on page 11) to prove

delivery. This will reduce your paperwork.

4. Plan ahead to obtain enough copies of the lead pamphlet.

Where Can I Obtain More 

Information on Lead PRE?

Further information is available from the National Lead Information

Clearinghouse (800-424-LEAD) or through the Internet

(www.epa.gov/lead). Available resources include:

● Full text version of Lead PRE

● Interactive software which guides the users through the Lead PRE

requirements on a step-by-step basis (available in late June)

● Interpretive guidance which provides more detailed information on

6 Lead PRE requirements

Confirmation of Receipt of Lead Pamphlet

I have received a copy of the pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your

Home, informing me of the potential risk of the lead hazard exposure from renovation activity to be performed in my dwelling unit. I received this pamphlet

before the work began.

________________________________

____________________________

Printed name of recipient Date

________________________________

Signature of recipient

Self-Certification Option (for tenant-occupied dwellings only) — 

If the lead pamphlet was delivered but a tenant signature was not obtainable,

you may check the appropriate box below.

■ Refusal to sign — I certify that I have made a good faith effort to deliver the

pamphlet, Protect your Family From Lead In Your Home, to the rental dwelling

unit listed below at the date and time indicated and that the occupant refused

to sign the confirmation of receipt. I further certify that I have left a copy of the

pamphlet at the unit with the occupant.

■ Unavailable for signature — I certify that I have made a good faith effort to

deliver the pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home, to the

rental dwelling unit listed below and that the occupant was unavailable to sign

the confirmation of receipt. I further certify that I have left a copy of the pamphlet at the unit by sliding it under the door.

________________________________

____________________________

Printed name of person certifying 

Attempted delivery date and time 

lead pamphlet delivery

________________________________

Signature of person certifying

lead pamphlet delivery

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Unit Address

Note Regarding Mailing Option — As an alternative to delivery in person,

you may mail the lead pamphlet to the owner and/or tenant. Pamphlet must be

mailed at least 7 days before renovation (Document with a certificate of mailing

from the post office).

Renovation Notice — For use in notifying tenants of renovations in common

areas of multi-family housing.

The following renovation activities will take place in the following locations:

Activity (e.g., sanding, window replacement)

Location (e.g., lobby, recreation center)

The expected starting date is __________________ and the expected ending 

date is __________________. Because this is an older building built before 1978,

some of the paint disturbed during the renovation may contain lead. You may

obtain a copy of the pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, by

telephoning me at __________________. Please leave a message and be sure to

include your name, phone number and address. I will either mail you a pamphlet

or slide one under your door.

____________________________

________________________________

Date Printed name of renovator

________________________________

Signature of renovator

Record of Tenant Notification Procedures — Procedures Used For

Delivering Notices to Tenants of Renovations in Common Areas

Project Address:

Street (apt. #) 

City State Zip Code

Owner of multi-family housing Number of dwelling units

Method of delivering notice forms (e.g. delivery to units, delivery to mailboxes of units)

Name of person delivering 

Signature 

notices

of person delivering notices Date of Delivery
effects, including:

– Damage to the brain and nervous system

– Behavior and learning problems

– Slowed growth

– Hearing problems

– Headaches

Lead is also harmful to adults and can, among other effects, cause:

– Difficulties during pregnancy

– Other reproductive problems for men and women

– High blood pressure

– Digestive problems

– Nerve disorders

– Memory and concentration problems

– Muscle and joint pain

Lead can be dangerous to workers and their families if the worker

brings equipment and clothing home after a job.

Other Resources 

For additional information on how to protect yourself and your customers

from lead paint hazards, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse

at 1-800-424-LEAD. Available documents include: 

● Lead-Based Paint: Operations and Maintenance 

Work Practices Manual for Homes and Buildings

● Lead Safety for Property Owners, Developers, and Managers

● Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home

● Lead in Your Home: A Parents’ Reference Guide

● Lead Paint Safety: A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance,

and Renovation Work

Bold Type = Key Terms (see pages 8–10) 7
Certified Inspector or Risk Assessor  an individual who has been

trained and is certified by EPA or an authorized state or Indian Tribe to conduct lead-based paint inspections or risk assessments.

Common Area — a portion of a building that is generally accessible to all

residents or users. Common areas include (but are not limited to) hallways,

stairways, laundry rooms, recreational rooms, playgrounds, community centers, and fenced areas. The term applies to both interiors and exteriors of the

building. (Note: Lead PRE requirements related to common areas apply only

to multi-family housing.)

Compensation — payment or goods for services rendered. Payment can b

in the form of money, goods, or services (bartering).

Component — specific design or structural element or fixture distinguished

by its form, function, and location. A component can be located inside or outside the dwelling.

Examples

Confirmation of Receipt of Lead Pamphlet — a form that is signed by

the owner or tenant of the housing confirming that they received a copy of the

lead pamphlet before the renovation began. (See sample on page 11.)

8

Interiors

Ceilings

Crown molding

Walls

Doors and trim

Floors

Fireplaces

Radiators

Shelves

Stair treads

Windows 

and trim

Built-in cabinets

Beams

Bathroom vanities

Counter tops

Air conditioners

Exterior

Painted roofing

Chimneys

Flashing

Gutters and 

downspouts

Ceilings

Soffits

Doors and trim

Fences

Floors

Joists

Handrails

Window sills and sashes

Air conditioners
complex

General Contractor — one who contracts for the construction of an entire

building or project, rather than for a portion of the work. The general contractor hires subcontractors (e.g. plumbing, electrical, etc.), coordinates all work,

and is responsible for payment to subcontractors. 

Housing for the Elderly — retirement communities or similar types of

housing specifically reserved for households of one or more persons 62 years

of age or older at the time the unit is first occupied.

Lead Abatement — work designed to permanently eliminate lead-based

paint hazards. If you are hired to do lead-abatement work only, Lead PRE does

not apply. Abatement does not include renovation, remodeling, landscaping, or

other activities done to repair, restore, or redesign a given building — even if

these activities incidentally reduce lead-based paint hazards. (Note: Some

states define this term differently than described above. Consult your state officials if you are not sure how “lead abatement” is defined in your state.)

Lead Pamphlet — the pamphlet Protecting Your Family From Lead in Your

Home, or an EPA-approved alternative pamphlet. (See page 13 for information on obtaining copies.)

Minor Repair and Maintenance — minor repair and maintenance activities, such as minor electrical work or plumbing, that disturb two square feet

or less of painted surface per component.

Examples 1: Drilling holes in the wall to run an electrical line

2: Replacing a piece of window trim

3: Replacing a light fixture

Multi-family Housing — housing property consisting of more than four

dwelling units.

Owner — any person or entity that has legal title to housing, including individuals, partnerships, corporations, government agencies, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit

organizations. 

Record of Notification — written statement documenting the steps taken

to notify occupants of renovation activities in common areas of multi-family

housing. (See page 12 for sample.)

9
(sanding/scraping/other activities 

that may create paint dust)

– Window replacement

Examples 1: Demolition of painted walls 

or ceilings

2: Large surface replastering

3: Major plumbing repairs or 

improvements

4: Any other activities which disturb 

painted surfaces

Renovation Notice — notice to tenants of renovations in common areas of

multifamily housing. (See sample form on page 12.) Notice must describe

nature, location, and expected timing of renovation activity; and must explain

how the lead pamphlet may be obtained free of charge.

Renovator — a person who performs for compensation a renovation, as

defined above. (Note: Because the term “renovation” is defined broadly by

Lead PRE, many contractors who are not generally considered to “renovators,” as that term is commonly used, are considered to be “renovators”

under Lead PRE, and must follow Lead PRE requirements.)

Self-Certification of Delivery — an alternative method of documenting

delivery of the lead pamphlet to a tenant. This method may be used whenever the tenant is unavailable or unwilling to sign a confirmation of receipt of

lead pamphlet. (See sample form on page 11.) (Note: This method is not a

permissible substitute for delivery of the lead pamphlet to an owner.)

Special Trade Contractors — individuals or companies performing work

in specialized occupations such as painting, electrical work, plumbing, or

carpentry. 

Supplemental Renovation Notice — additional notification that is

required when the scope, location, or timing of project changes.

Zero-Bedroom Dwelling — any residential dwelling where the living area

is not separated from the sleeping area. This term includes efficiency and studio apartments, dormitory housing, and military barracks.

10
vation activity to be performed in my dwelling unit. I received this pamphlet

before the work began.

________________________________ ____________________________

Printed name of recipient Date

________________________________

Signature of recipient

Self-Certification Option (for tenant-occupied dwellings only) — 

If the lead pamphlet was delivered but a tenant signature was not obtainable,

you may check the appropriate box below.

■ Refusal to sign — I certify that I have made a good faith effort to deliver the

pamphlet, Protect your Family From Lead In Your Home, to the rental dwelling

unit listed below at the date and time indicated and that the occupant refused

to sign the confirmation of receipt. I further certify that I have left a copy of the

pamphlet at the unit with the occupant.

■ Unavailable for signature — I certify that I have made a good faith effort to

deliver the pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home, to the

rental dwelling unit listed below and that the occupant was unavailable to sign

the confirmation of receipt. I further certify that I have left a copy of the pamphlet at the unit by sliding it under the door.

________________________________ ____________________________

Printed name of person certifying Attempted delivery date and time

lead pamphlet delivery

________________________________

Signature of person certifying

lead pamphlet delivery

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Unit Address

Note Regarding Mailing Option — As an alternative to delivery in person,

you may mail the lead pamphlet to the owner and/or tenant. Pamphlet must be

mailed at least 7 days before renovation (Document with a certificate of mailing

from the post office). 1
Activity (e.g., sanding, window replacement)

Location (e.g., lobby, recreation center)

The expected starting date is __________________ and the expected ending 

date is __________________. Because this is an older building built before 1978,

some of the paint disturbed during the renovation may contain lead. You may

obtain a copy of the pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, by

telephoning me at __________________. Please leave a message and be sure to

include your name, phone number and address. I will either mail you a pamphlet

or slide one under your door.

____________________________ ________________________________

Date Printed name of renovator

________________________________

Signature of renovator

Record of Tenant Notification Procedures — Procedures Used For

Delivering Notices to Tenants of Renovations in Common Areas

Project Address:

Street (apt. #) 

City State Zip Code

Owner of multi-family housing Number of dwelling units

Method of delivering notice forms (e.g. delivery to units, delivery to mailboxes of units)

Name of person delivering notices

Signature of person delivering notices Date of Delivery

12
There are four ways to get multiple copies:

1. Call the Government Printing Office order desk at 

(202) 512-1800.

2. Send fax requests to (202) 512-2233.

3. Request copies in writing from:

Superintendent of Documents

P.O. Box 371954

Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954

4. Obtain via the Internet at www.epa.gov/lead

Single copies are available at no

charge. Bulk copies available in 

packs of 50. 

The pamphlet may be photocopied for distribution as long as

the text and graphics are readable. Camera-ready copies are 

available from NLIC or via 

the Internet.

1
If no, then you need to read this book!

Rental property owners and managers,

renovators, and maintenance personnel

are affected by Lead PRE.

YES

YES

NO

NO

Does this job involve renovations

which disturb painted surfaces?

Are ANY of the following conditions present?

– The work is an emergency renovation

– The work is a lead abatement project

– The work consists of minor repairs or

maintenance that disturbs 2 square feet

or less of painted surfaces

– The housing or its components have

been determined to be lead-based paint

free by a certified inspector or risk

assessor

– The housing is a zero-bedroom dwelling

(studio apartments, dormitories, etc.)

– The housing is housing for the elderly or

disabled AND children are not expected

to reside there

Lead 

PRE 

Does 

Not 

Apply

If Any

Yes

If All No

Bold Type = Key Terms (see pages 8–10 inside