Office of Chemical Safety and 

Pollution Prevention 

EPA-740-K-10-003

September 2011

Small Entity Compliance 

Guide to Renovate Right

EPA’s Lead-Based Paint 

Renovation, Repair, and 

Painting Program

A handbook for contractors, 

property managers and 

maintenance personnel

working in homes and

child-occupied facilities

built before 1978.

CERTIFIED FIRM

LEAD-SAFE
Who Should Read this Handbook?

•	 Anyone who owns or manages housing or child-occupied facilities built before 1978.

•	 Contractors who perform activities that disturb painted surfaces in homes and child-occupied facilities

built before 1978 (including certain repairs and maintenance, and painting preparation activities).

About this Handbook

This handbook summarizes requirements of EPA’s 2008 Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting 

Program Rule (as amended in 2010 and 2011), aimed at protecting against lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities. The rule requires workers to be trained to use lead-safe 

work practices and requires renovation firms to be EPA-certified; these requirements became fully effective 

April 22, 2010.

To ensure compliance, you should also read the complete rule on which the program is based. While EPA has 

summarized the provisions of the rule in this guide, the legal requirements that apply to renovation work are 

governed by EPA’s 2008 Lead Rule. A copy of the rule is available on EPA’s website at 

www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm. 

A companion pamphlet, entitled The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard 

Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (EPA-740-K-10-001), has been prepared in conjunction with the rule for distribution to persons affected by work that disturbs lead-based paint. (See page 17 

for information on how to get copies of the rule, the Renovate Right pamphlet, and other related materials.) 

Other state or local requirements that are different from or more stringent than the federal requirements 

may apply in your state. For example, federal law allows EPA to authorize states to administer their own program in lieu of the federal lead program. Even in states without an authorized lead program, a state 

may promulgate its own rules that may be different or go beyond the federal requirements. For more 

information on the rules that apply in your state, please contact the National Lead Information Center 

at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Your feedback is important. Please review this guide and contact the National Lead Information Center 

at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) with any comments regarding its usefulness and readability, and improvements 

you think are needed.

This document is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the official compliance 

guide for small entities, as required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 

(SBREFA). Before you begin using the guide, you should know that the information in this guide was 

originally published in June 2008, and was revised in July 2010 and September 2011 to address regulatory revisions. EPA is continually improving and upgrading its rules, policies, compliance programs, and 

outreach efforts. To find out if EPA has revised or supplemented the information in this guide call the 

National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
What Is the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and 

Painting Program (RRP)?

•	 The Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program is a federal regulatory program affecting 

contractors, property managers, and others who disturb painted surfaces.

•	 It applies to residential houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities such as schools and day-care 	 	

centers built before 1978.

•	 It includes pre-renovation education requirements as well as training, certification, and work practice 	 	

requirements. 

– Pre-renovation education requirements:

	 	 •	 Contractors, property managers, and others who perform renovations for compensation

 in residential houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 are required 

 to distribute a lead pamphlet before starting renovation work.

– Training, certification, and work practice requirements:

	 	 •	 Firms are required to be certified, their employees must be trained (either as a certified renovator or

 on-the-job by a certified renovator) in use of lead-safe work practices, and lead-safe work practices hat 

 minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards must be followed. 

	 •	 Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, 	 	

 remodeling, and maintenance activities, including window replacement.

	 •	 The program includes requirements implementing both Section 402(c) and 406(b) of the Toxic

 Substances Control Act (TSCA). (www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/titleten.html) 

	 •	 EPA’s lead renovation regulations can be found at 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E.

How Can this Handbook Help Me?

•	 Understanding the lead program’s requirements can help you protect your customers from the hazards of 

lead and can, therefore, mean more business for you.

•	 This handbook presents simple steps to follow to comply with the EPA’s lead program. It also lists ways 	 	

these steps can be easily incorporated into your work.

•	 Distributing the lead pamphlet and incorporating required work practices into your job site will help protect 	 	

your customers and occupants from the hazards of lead-based paint.

1
Who Must Follow the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule’s Requirements?

In general, anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and 

child-occupied facilities built before 1978, this may include, but is not limited to:

– Residential rental property owners/managers

– General contractors

– Special trade contractors, including

	 •	 Painters

	 •	 Plumbers

	 •	 Carpenters

	 •	 Electricians

What Activities Are Subject to the Lead Renovation, Repair and 

Painting Program?

In general, any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:

•	 Remodeling and repair/maintenance

•	 Electrical work

•	 Plumbing

•	 Painting preparation

•	 Carpentry

•	 Window replacement

What Housing or Activities Are Excluded and Not Subject 

to the Rule?

•	 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 that have been declared lead-free. Such a declaration can be made by a certified 	 	

inspector or risk assessor. Also, a certified renovator may declare specific components lead-free using an 

EPA recognized test kit or by collecting paint chip samples and obtaining test results from an 

EPA recognized laboratory showing the components do not contain lead-based paint.

•	 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.

2
What Does the Program Require Me To Do?

Pre-renovation education requirements.

•	 In housing built before 1978, you must:

	•	 Distribute EPA’s lead pamphlet (www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/brochure.htm) to the owner and occupants 

before renovation starts.

•	 In a child-occupied facility, you must:

	 •	 Distribute the lead pamphlet to the owner of the building or an adult representative of the child-occupied

 facility before the renovation starts.

	 •	 Either distribute renovation notices to parents/guardians of the children attending the child-occupied 	 	

 facility, or post informational signs about the renovation or repair job.

•	 For work in common areas of multi-family housing, you must:

	 •	 Either distribute renovation notices to tenants or post informational signs about the renovation or

 repair job.

•	 Informational signs must:

	 •	 Be posted where they will be seen;

	 •	 Describe the nature, locations, and dates of the renovation; and

	 •	 Be accompanied by the lead pamphlet or by information on how parents and guardians can get a free 	 	

 copy (see page 29 for information on obtaining copies).

•	 Obtain confirmation of receipt of the lead pamphlet (see page 23) from the owner, adult representative, or 	 	

occupants (as applicable), or a certificate of mailing from the post office.

•	 Retain records for three years.

•	 Note: Pre-renovation education requirements do not apply to emergency renovations. 

Emergency renovations include interim controls performed in response to a resident child 

with an elevated blood-lead level.

Training, Certification, and Work Practice Requirements.

•	 All firms must be certified (even sole-proprietors).

•	 All renovators must be trained.

•	 Lead-safe work practices must be followed. Examples of these practices include:

	 •	 Work-area containment to prevent dust and debris from leaving the work area.

	 •	 Prohibition of certain work practices like open-flame burning and the use of power tools without HEPA 	 	

 exhaust control.

	 •	 Thorough clean up followed by a verification procedure to minimize exposure to lead-based

 paint hazards.

3
How Does a Firm Become Certified?

Firms must apply to EPA for certification to perform renovations or dust sampling. To apply, a firm must 

submit to EPA a completed “Application for Firms,” signed by an authorized agent of the firm, and pay the 

correct amount of fees. To obtain a copy of the “Application for Firms” contact the NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD 

(5323) or visit www.epa.gov/getleadsafe.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Certified Firm?

Firms performing renovations must ensure that:

1. All individuals performing activities that disturb painted surfaces on behalf of the firm are either certified 

renovators or have been trained by a certified renovator. 

2. A certified renovator is assigned to each renovation and performs all of the certified renovator 

responsibilities. 

3. All renovations performed by the firm are performed in accordance with the work practice standards of the 

Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (see the flowchart on page 9 for details 

about the work practice standards). 

4. Pre-renovation education and lead pamphlet distribution requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, 

Repair, and Painting Program are performed.

5. The program’s recordkeeping requirements are met.

4
How Does a Renovator Become Certified?

To become a certified renovator an individual must successfully complete an eight-hour initial renovator 

training course offered by an accredited training provider (training providers are accredited by EPA, or by an 

authorized state or tribal program). The course completion certificate serves as proof of certification. To find 

a trainer in your area contact the NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or visit www.epa.gov/getleadsafe.

Are There Streamlined Requirements for Contractors with 

Previous Lead Training?

Yes. Individuals who have successfully completed an accredited lead abatement worker or supervisor course, 

or individuals who have successfully completed certain EPA, Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (HUD), or EPA/HUD model renovation training courses before October 4, 2011, need only 

take a four-hour refresher renovator training course instead of the eight-hour initial renovator training course 

to become certified. For a list of qualified previous training courses contact the NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD 

(5323) or visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/trainerinstructions.htm#refresher.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Certified Renovator?

Certified renovators are responsible for ensuring overall compliance with the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, 

Repair, and Painting Program’s requirements for lead-safe work practices at renovations they are assigned 

(see the flowchart on page 9 for details about the work practice standards). A certified renovator:

1.	Must provide on-the-job training to other workers (who have not taken the certified renovator training 	 	

course) on the lead safe work practices to be used in performing their assigned tasks. 

2.	Must be physically present at the work site when warning signs are posted, while the work-area

containment is being established, and while the work-area cleaning is performed. 

3.	Must regularly direct work being performed by other individuals to ensure that the work practices are 	 	

being followed, including maintaining the integrity of the containment barriers and ensuring that dust or 

debris does not spread beyond the work area. 

4. When requested by the party contracting for renovation services, must use an EPA recognized test kit or 

must collect paint chip samples, submit them to an EPA-recognized laboratory, and obtain test results 

from the laboratory to determine whether components affected by the renovation contain lead-based paint. 

(For more information regarding test kits call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD 

(5323), or check our web site at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm). Note: you must assume leadbased paint is present for housing and buildings covered by this rule, unless testing is done that determines 

the components affected are lead-free.

5. Must be available, either on-site or by telephone, at all times renovations are being conducted.

6.	Must perform project cleaning verification. 

7.	Must have with them at the work site copies of their initial course completion certificate and their most 	 	

recent refresher course completion certificate. 

8.	Must prepare required records.

5
How Long Do Firm and Renovator Certifications Last?

To maintain their certification, individual renovators and firms must be re-certified by EPA every five years. 

A firm must submit to EPA a completed “Application for Firms,” signed by an authorized agent of the firm, 

and pay the correct amount of fees. Individual renovators must successfully complete a refresher training 

course provided by an accredited training provider.

What Are the Recordkeeping Requirements?

•	 All documents must be retained for three years following the completion of a renovation.

•	 Records that must be retained include:

	 •	 Reports certifying that lead-based paint is not present.

	 •	 Records relating to the distribution of the lead pamphlet.

	 •	 Documentation of compliance with the requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Renovation,

 Repair, and Painting Program. This information must also be given to the owner and, if different, the 

 occupant of the housing or unit that was renovated (EPA has prepared a sample form that is available at 

 www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/samplechecklist.pdf).

What Are the Required Work Practices?

The flow charts on the following pages will help determine if your project is subject to the LeadBased Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program’s requirements and, if so, the specific requirements for your particular project. The flowcharts, and other information included in this guide, are not 

intended to be a replacement for official training.

6
Do the Requirements Apply to the Renovation?

If you will be getting paid to do work that disturbs painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home, apartment 

building, or child-occupied facility, answer the questions below to determine if the EPA lead program 

requires you to distribute the lead pamphlet and/or if you will need to comply with training, certification, and work practice requirements when conducting the work.

EPA’s Lead Program Rule At-A-Glance

EPA 

lead-based 

paint renovation, 

repair, and 

painting program 

requirements 

do not apply.

Pre-renovation

education 

requirements 

of the program 

do not apply. 

See Flow Chart 3 

to determine which

specific renovation

training and work 

practice requirements 

apply to the job.

Does the job involve activities that disturb painted surfaces in a 

home or child-occupied facility built before 1978?

Are ANY of the following conditions present?

•	 The work is a lead abatement project.

•	Work consists of only minor repairs or maintenance that disturb 6

square feet or less of painted surfaces per room for interior activities or 20 square feet or less of painted surface for exterior activities. Note: this does not include window replacement, demolition, 

and projects involving prohibited practices.

•	Housing has been determined to be free of lead-based paint either

by a certified inspector or risk assessor, or the components being 

renovated have been determined to be free of lead-based paint by 

a certified renovator using either an EPA recognized test kit or 

laboratory analysis of collected paint chip samples.

•	Housing is a zero-bedroom dwelling (studio apartments, dormitories, etc.).

•	Housing is for the elderly or disabled and no children under six

reside or are expected to reside there.

Is the project an emergency renovation?

Emergency renovations are:

1. Activities that were not planned and if not immediately 

attended to present a safety hazard or threaten equipment 

and/or property with significant damage. 

OR

2.Interim controls performed in response to an elevated blood 

lead level in a resident child.

YES

NO

NO

You will need to provide the lead pamphlet. 

See Flow Chart 2 for specific requirements.

NO

YES

YES

Flow Chart 1 7
How Do I Comply with the Pre-Renovation Education Requirements?

Requirements to distribute pre-renovation educational materials vary based on the location of the 

renovation. Select the location below that best describes the location of your project, and follow the 

applicable procedure on the right.

See

Flow 

Chart 3 

for 

information 

about 

specific 

training 

and work

practice 

requirements

for the job.

Deliver lead pamphlet (www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/brochure.htm) to 

owner before renovation begins and obtain confirmation of receipt.

OR

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

1. Provide lead pamphlet to owner using either procedure described in 

the box at the top of this page.

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.

1. Provide owner with lead pamphlet using either procedure described 

in the box at the top of this page.

2. Notify tenants and make pamphlet available, or post signs describing 

the renovation. The signs must include the pamphlet or information 

on how to review a copy.

3.	 Maintain written documentation describing notification procedures.

4. Provide supplemental renovation notice if changes occur in location, 

timing, or scope of renovation occurring.

 Renovations 

in OwnerOccupied 

Dwelling 

Units

Renovations 

in TenantOccupied 

Dwelling 

Units

Renovations 

in Common 

Areas 

of MultiFamily 

Housing Units

Renovations 

in ChildOccupied 

Facilities

8 Flow Chart 2

1. Provide the owner of the building with the lead pamphlet using either:

(a) The procedure described in the box at the top of this page.

OR

(b)If the child-occupied facility is not the building owner, provide the lead pamphlet by either 

 method below: 

(i) Obtain a written acknowledgment that an adult representative received the pamphlet; or cer- 

 tify in writing that a pamphlet was delivered.

OR

(ii) Obtain a certificate of mailing at least 7 days before the renovation. 

2. Provide the parents or guardians of children using the childoccupied facility with information by 

either of these methods:

	 (a)	Mail or hand-deliver the lead pamphlet and renovation information to each parent or guardian.

OR

(b)Post signs describing the renovation. The signs must include the pamphlet or information on 

 how to review a copy.
Do the Renovation Training and Work Practices Apply?

Continue to

Flow Chart 4 

for work 

practice 

requirements.

Is the project an emergency renovation? 

Does the project include interim controls performed in 

response to an elevated blood lead level of a resident 

child?

Emergency projects are exempt from the warning sign, 

containment, waste handling, training, and certification 

requirements to the extent necessary to respond to the 

emergency. Emergency renovations are NOT exempt 

from the cleaning and cleaning verification requirements. 

See Flow Chart 5 for interior cleaning and cleaning 

verification requirements, and Flow Chart 8 for exterior 

cleaning and verification requirements.

NO

NO

YES

YES

Flow Chart 3 9
General

(A)	 Renovations must be performed by certified firms using certified renovators.

(B)	 Firms must post signs clearly defining the work area and warning occupants and other persons

 not involved in renovation activities to remain outside of the work area. These signs should be 

 in the language of the occupants. 

(C)	 Prior to the renovation, the firm must contain the work area so that no dust or debris leaves

 the work area while the renovation is being performed.

(D) Work practices listed below are prohibited during a renovation:

	 	 1.	 Open-flame burning or torching of painted surfaces;

 2. Use of machines that remove paint or other surface coatings through high speed operation such 

 as sanding, grinding, power planing, needle gun, abrasive blasting, or sandblasting, unless such 

 machines have shrouds or containment systems and are equipped with a HEPA vacuum attachment 

	 	 	 	 to collect dust and debris at the point of generation. Machines must be operated so that no visible 	 	

 dust or release of air occurs outside the shroud or containment system; and 

 3. Operating a heat gun on painted surfaces at temperatures above 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.

(E) Waste from renovations:

 1. Waste from renovation activities must be contained to prevent releases of dust and debris 

 before the waste is removed from the work area for storage or disposal.

 2. At the conclusion of each work day and at the conclusion of the renovation, waste that has 

 been collected from renovation activities must be stored to prevent access to and the release 

 of dust and debris. 

 3. Waste transported from renovation activities must be contained to prevent release of dust 

 and debris.

Work Practice Requirements

 Interior

Renovation

Projects. 

See Flow 

Chart 5.

Exterior

Renovation

Projects. 

See Flow 

Chart 8.

10 Flow Chart 4
The firm must: 

(A) Remove all objects from the work area or cover them with plastic sheeting with all seams and 

 edges sealed. 

(B) Close and cover all ducts opening in the work area with taped-down plastic sheeting. 

(C) Close windows and doors in the work area. Doors must be covered with plastic sheeting. 

(D) Cover the floor surface with taped-down plastic sheeting in the work area a minimum of six feet 

beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation or a sufficient distance to contain the dust, 

whichever is greater. If a vertical containment system is employed, floor covering may stop at the 

vertical barrier, providing it is impermeable, extends from floor to ceiling, and is tightly sealed at 

floors, ceilings, and walls.

(E) Use precautions to ensure that all personnel, tools, and other items, including the exteriors of 

 containers of waste, are free of dust and debris when leaving the work area. 

(F) After the renovation has been completed, the firm must clean the work area until no dust, debris or 

 residue remains. The firm must: 

 1. Collect all paint chips and debris, and seal it in a heavy-duty bag.

 2. Remove and dispose of protective sheeting as waste.

 3. Clean all objects and surfaces in the work area and within two feet of the work area in the 

 following manner:

 a. Clean walls starting at the ceiling and working down to the floor by either vacuuming with a 

 HEPA vacuum or wiping with a damp cloth. 

 b. Thoroughly vacuum all remaining surfaces and objects in the work area, including furniture 

 and fixtures, with a HEPA vacuum.

 c. Wipe all remaining surfaces and objects in the work area, except for carpeted or upholstered 

surfaces, with a damp cloth. Mop uncarpeted floors thoroughly using a mopping method that

keeps the wash water separate from the rinse water, or using a wet mopping system.

Work Practice Requirements Specific to Interior Renovations

Cleaning verification is required to ensure the work area

is adequately cleaned and ready for re-occupancy. 

See Flow Chart 6 for instructions on performing cleaning

verification for interior projects.

Flow Chart 5 11
Interior Cleaning Verification: Visual Inspection and Optional 

Clearance Testing

The area must be

re-cleaned and another

visual inspection must 

be performed.

Continue to

cleaning 

verification

procedure. 

See Flow

Chart 7.

Certified renovator must perform a visual inspection.

Is dust, debris or residue present?

Does the contract, or another federal, state, territorial, tribal, or 

local regulation, require clearance testing at the conclusion of the 

renovation?

Are the dust clearance samples required to be collected 

by a certified inspector, risk assessor or dust sampling 

technician, and is the renovation firm required to re-clean the 

work area until the dust clearance sample results are below 

applicable clearance standards? 

When you meet the applicable clearance standards, 

you’re finished!

NO

YES

NO

NO

YES

YES

12 Flow Chart 6
Interior Cleaning Verification: Floors, Countertops, and Window Sills

Note: For areas greater than 40 square feet, separate the area into sections and use a new disposable 

cleaning cloth for each section.

The 

work area

has been

adequately

cleaned

and 

warning

signs

may be

removed.

Certified renovator must wipe all uncarpeted floors, countertops, 

and windowsills within the work area with a wet disposable cleaning cloth. Is the cloth used for any area darker than the cleaning 

verification card?

Re-clean the areas that failed using the procedures from Flow 

Chart 5, then use a new wet disposable cleaning cloth to wipe 

those areas again. Is the cloth used for any area darker than the 

cleaning verification card?

Wait until either the area has dried completely or 1 hour has 

passed, whichever is longer. Once dry, wipe that area with a dry 

disposable cleaning cloth.

YES

NO

NO

YES

You’re finished!

Flow Chart 7 13
The firm must: 

(A) Close all doors and windows within 20 feet of the renovation. 

(B) Ensure that doors within the work area that will be used while the job is being performed are 

covered with plastic sheeting in a manner that allows workers to pass through while confining 

dust and debris.

(C) Cover the ground with plastic sheeting or other disposable impermeable material extending a 

minimum of 10 feet beyond the perimeter or a sufficient distance to collect falling paint debris, 

whichever is greater. If a property line prevents 10 feet of such ground covering, then erect vertical containment or equivalent extra precautions to prevent contamination of adjacent buildings and 

property.

(D) In situations such as where work areas are in close proximity to other buildings, windy conditions, 

etc., the renovation firm must take extra precautions in containing the work area, like vertical 

containment. 

(E) After the renovation has been completed, the firm must clean the work area until no dust, debris or 

residue remains. The firm must: 

1. Collect all paint chips and debris, and seal it in a heavy-duty bag.

2. Remove and dispose of protective sheeting as waste.

3.Waste transported from renovation activities must be contained to prevent release of dust and 

debris.

Work Practice Requirements Specific to Exterior Renovations

A certified renovator must perform a visual inspection.

Is dust, debris or residue present?

These conditions 

must be eliminated and 

another visual inspection must 

be performed.

The area has 

been adequately 

cleaned; remove 

the warning signs.

YES NO

You’re finished!

14 Flow Chart 8
How Is My Compliance Determined, and What Happens if the 

Agency Discovers a Violation?

To maximize compliance, EPA implements a balanced program of compliance assistance, compliance incentives, and traditional law enforcement. EPA knows that small businesses that must comply with complicated 

new statutes or rules often want to do the right thing, but may lack the requisite knowledge, resources, or 

skills. Compliance assistance information and technical advice helps small businesses to understand and 

meet their environmental obligations. Compliance incentives, such as EPA’s Small Business Policy, apply to 

businesses with 100 or fewer employees and encourage persons to voluntarily discover, disclose, and correct 

violations before they are identified by the government (more information about EPA’s Small Business Policy 

is available at www.epa.gov/compliance/incentives/smallbusiness/index.html). EPA’s enforcement program 

is aimed at protecting the public by targeting persons or entities who neither comply nor cooperate to address 

their legal obligations. 

EPA uses a variety of methods to determine whether businesses are complying, including inspecting work 

sites, reviewing records and reports, and responding to citizen tips and complaints. Under TSCA, EPA (or 

a state, if this program has been delegated to it) may file an enforcement action against violators seeking 

penalties of up to $37,500 per violation, per day. The proposed penalty in a given case will depend on many 

factors, including the number, length, and severity of the violations, the economic benefit obtained by the violator, and its ability to pay. EPA has policies in place to ensure penalties are calculated fairly. These policies 

are available to the public. In addition, any company charged with a violation has the right to contest EPA’s 

allegations and proposed penalty before an impartial judge or jury. 

EPA encourages small businesses to work with the Agency to discover, disclose, and correct violations. The 

Agency has developed self-disclosure, small business, and small community policies to modify penalties for 

small and large entities that cooperate with EPA to address compliance problems. In addition, EPA has established compliance assistance centers to serve over one million small businesses (see Construction Industry 

Compliance Assistance Center for information regarding this rule at www.cicacenter.org). For more information on compliance assistance and other EPA programs for small businesses, please contact EPA’s Small Business Ombudsman at 202-566-2075. 

15
Frequent Questions

What is the legal status of this guide? 

This guide was prepared pursuant to section 212 of SBREFA. EPA has tried to help explain in this guide what 

you must do to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and EPA’s lead regulations. However, 

this guide has no legal effect and does not create any legal rights. Compliance with the procedures described 

in this guide does not establish compliance with the rule or establish a presumption or inference of compliance. The legal requirements that apply to renovation work are governed by EPA’s 2008 Lead Rule, which 

controls if there is any inconsistency between the rule and the information in this guide. 

Is painting considered renovation if no surface preparation activity occurs?

No. If the surface to be painted is not disturbed by sanding, scraping, or other activities that may cause dust, 

the work is not considered renovation and EPA’s lead program requirements do not apply. However, painting 

projects that involve surface preparation that disturbs paint, such as sanding and scraping, would be covered. 

What if I renovate my own home?

EPA’s lead program rules apply only to renovations performed for compensation; therefore, if you work on 

your own home, the rules do not apply. EPA encourages homeowners to use lead-safe work practices, nonetheless, in order to protect themselves, their families, and the value of their homes.

Is a renovation performed by a landlord or employees of a property management firm considered a compensated renovation under EPA’s lead program rules?

Yes. The receipt of rent payments or salaries derived from rent payments is considered compensation under 

EPA’s lead program. Therefore, renovation activities performed by landlords or employees of landlords are 

covered.

Do I have to give out the lead pamphlet seven days prior to beginning renovation activities?

The 7-day advance delivery requirement applies only when you deliver the lead pamphlet by mail; 

otherwise, you may deliver the pamphlet anytime before the renovation begins so long as the renovation 

begins within 60 days of the date that the pamphlet is delivered. 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 by mail anytime between April 1 and May 23.

Tips for Easy Compliance

1. For your convenience the sample form on page 23 of this handbook is included in the Renovate 

Right lead pamphlet (see page 29 for information on how to get copies). Attach the form to the 

back of your customer renovation or repair contracts. The completed form can be filed along with 

your regular paperwork.

2. Plan ahead to obtain enough copies of the lead pamphlet (see page 29 for information on how to 

get copies of the pamphlet).

16
Where Can I Get More Information?

Further information is available from the National Lead Information Center (800-424-LEAD) and on 

the Internet at www.epa.gov/lead. Available resources include:

•	 Full text version of the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program regulation.

•	 Frequent Questions which provide more detailed information on the rule’s requirements.

•	 A downloadable version of the lead pamphlet.

Why Is Lead Paint Dangerous?

Lead gets into the body when it is swallowed or inhaled. People, 

especially children, can swallow lead dust as they eat, play, and do 

other normal hand-to-mouth activities. People may also breathe in 

lead dust or fumes if they disturb lead-based paint. People who 

sand, scrape, burn, brush, blast or otherwise disturb lead-based 

paint risk unsafe exposure to lead. 

Lead is especially dangerous to children under 6 years of age.

Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous 

systems, causing: 

•	 Reduced IQ and learning disabilities.

•	 Behavioral problems.

Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. 

Lead is also harmful to adults. In adults, low levels of 

lead can pose many dangers, including:

•	 High blood pressure and hypertension.

•	 Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer lead to

their fetus. 

17
Other Resources

For additional information on how to protect yourself and your customers from lead paint hazards, 

visit www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). 

Available documents include:

•	 The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child 		

Care Providers and Schools

•	 Joint EPA-HUD Curriculum: Lead Safety for Remodeling, Repair, and Painting

•	 Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting

•	 Fight Lead Poisoning with a Healthy Diet

•	 Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home

•	 Lead in Your Home: A Parent’s Reference Guide

18
Key Terms

Certificate of Mailing — A written verification from the Postal Service that you mailed the lead pamphlet 

to an owner or a tenant. This is less expensive than certified mail, which is also acceptable for meeting the 

Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program requirements. (Note: If using this delivery 

option, you must mail the pamphlet at least seven days prior to the start of renovation.)

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.

Child-occupied Facility — May include, but is not limited to, day care centers, pre-schools and kindergarten

classrooms. Child-occupied facilities may be located in target housing or in public or commercial buildings. 

The regulation defines a “child-occupied facility” as a building, or portion of a building, constructed prior to 

1978, visited regularly by the same child, under 6 years of age, on at least two different days within any week 

(Sunday through Saturday period), provided that each day’s visit lasts at least three hours and the combined 

weekly visits last at least six hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours. Child-occupied 

facilities may be located in target housing, or in public or commercial buildings. With respect to common 

areas in public or commercial buildings that contain child-occupied facilities, the child-occupied facility 

encompasses only those common areas that are routinely used by children under age 6, such as restrooms 

and cafeterias. Common areas that children under age 6 only pass through, such as hallways, stairways, and 

garages are not included. In addition, with respect to exteriors of public or commercial buildings that contain 

child-occupied facilities, the child-occupied facility encompasses only the exterior sides of the building that 

are immediately adjacent to the child-occupied facility or the common areas routinely used by children under 

age 6. 

Cleaning Verification Card — a card developed and distributed by EPA for the purpose of determining, 

through comparison of wet and dry disposable cleaning cloths with the card, whether post-renovation 

cleaning has been properly completed.

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. 

Component — A 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...

Interior Exterior

Ceilings Painted roofing

Crown molding	 Chimneys

Walls Flashing

Doors and trim	 Gutters and downspouts

Floors Ceilings

Fireplaces Soffits

Radiators	 Doors and trim

Shelves Fences

Stair treads Floors

Windows and trim	 Joists

Built-in cabinets Handrails

Beams	 Window sills and sashes

Bathroom vanities	 Air conditioners

Counter tops

Air conditioners 19
Confirmation of Receipt of Lead Hazard Information 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 23.)

Emergency Renovation — Unplanned renovation activities done in response to a sudden, unexpected event 

which, if not immediately attended to, presents a safety or public health hazard or threatens property with 

significant damage.

Examples

•	 Renovation to repair damage from a tree that fell on a house.

•	 Renovation to repair a burst water pipe in an apartment complex.

•	 Interim controls performed in response to an elevated blood lead level in a resident child.

Firm — A company, partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship or individual doing business, association, 

or other business entity; a Federal, State, Tribal, or local government agency; or a nonprofit organization.

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.

Interim Controls — Interim controls means a set of measures designed to temporarily reduce human exposure 

or likely exposure to lead-based paint hazards, including specialized cleaning, repairs, maintenance, painting, 

temporary containment, ongoing monitoring of lead-based paint hazards or potential hazards, and the establishment and operation of management and resident education programs.

Lead Abatement — Work designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. If you are hired to do 

lead-abatement work only, the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program does not apply. 

Abatement does not include renovation, remodeling, or other activities done to repair, restore, or redesign a 

given building — even if such renovation activities incidentally eliminate 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 lead hazard information pamphlet for the purpose of pre-renovation education is The 

LeadSafe Certified Guide to Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care 

Facilities and Schools, or an EPA-approved alternative pamphlet. (See page 29 for information on obtaining 

copies.)

20
Minor Repair and Maintenance — Activities that disrupt 6 square feet or less of painted surface per room for 

interior activities or 20 square feet or less of painted surface for exterior activities where none of the prohibited work practices is used and where the work does not involve window replacement or demolition of painted 

surface areas. When removing painted components, or portions of painted components, the entire surface area 

removed is the amount of painted surface disturbed. Jobs, other than emergency renovations, performed in the 

same room within the same 30 days must be considered the same job for the purpose of determining whether 

the job is a minor repair and maintenance activity.

Owner — Any person or entity that has legal title to housing, including individuals, partnerships, 

corporations, government agencies, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations.

Painted Surface — A component surface covered in whole or in part with paint or other surface coatings.

Prohibited Practices — Work practices listed below are prohibited during a renovation:

•	 Open-flame burning or torching of painted surfaces;

•	 Use of machines that remove paint or other surface coatings through high speed operation such as sanding,

grinding, power planing, needle gun, abrasive blasting, or sandblasting, unless such machines have shrouds 

or containment systems and are equipped with a HEPA vacuum attachment to collect dust and debris at the 

	 point of generation. Machines must be operated so that no visible dust or release of air occurs outside the 	 	

shroud or containment system.

•	 Operating a heat gun on painted surfaces at temperatures above 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Record of Notification — A written statement documenting the steps taken to notify occupants of renovation 

activities in common areas of multi-family housing. (See page 25 for sample.)

Renovation — Modification of all or part of any existing structure that disturbs a painted surface, except for

some specifically exempted activities (e.g., minor repair and maintenance). Includes:

•	 Removal/modification of painted surfaces, components, or structures

•	 Surface preparation activities (sanding/scraping/other activities that may create paint dust)

•	 Window replacement

Examples

1. Demolition of painted walls or ceilings

2. Replastering

3. Plumbing repairs or improvements

4. Any other activities which disturb painted surfaces

Renovation Notice — Notice to tenants of renovations in common areas of multi-family housing. (See sample 

form on page 25.) Notice must describe nature, location, and expected timing of renovation activity; and must 

explain how the lead pamphlet may be obtained free of charge.

21
Renovator — A person who either performs or directs 

workers who perform renovation. A certified renovator is a renovator who has successfully completed a 

renovator course accredited by EPA or an EPA authorized State or Tribal program. (Note: Because the term 

“renovation” is defined broadly by the Lead-Based 

Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program, many 

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

be “renovators” under the program and must follow the 

rule’s requirements.)

Self-Certification of Delivery — An alternative 

method of documenting delivery of the lead hazard 

information 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 23.) (Note: This method is not a 

permissible substitute for delivery of the lead pamphlet 

to an owner.)

Supplemental Renovation Notice — additional 

notification that is required when the scope, location, 

or timing of project changes.

Vertical Containment — A vertical barrier consisting 

of plastic sheeting or other impermeable material over 

scaffolding or a rigid frame, or an equivalent system 

of containing the work area. Vertical containment is 

required for some exterior renovations but it may be 

used on any renovation.

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.

22
Sample Pre-Renovation Form 

This sample form may be used by firms to document compliance with the requirements of the Federal

Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program. 

Occupant Confirmation 

Pamphlet Receipt 

___ I have received a copy of the lead hazard information pamphlet 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 Owner-occupant 

Signature of Owner-occupant Signature Date 

Renovator’s Self Certification Option (for tenant-occupied dwellings only)

Instructions to Renovator: If the lead hazard information pamphlet was delivered but a tenant signature was not 

obtainable, you may check the appropriate box below. 

___ Declined – I certify that I have made a good faith effort to deliver the lead hazard information pamphlet 

to the rental dwelling unit listed below at the date and time indicated and that the occupant declined 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 lead hazard 

information pamphlet 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 or by (fill in how pamphlet was left).

Printed Name of Person Certifying Delivery Attempted Delivery Date 

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 

hazard information pamphlet to the owner and/or tenant. Pamphlet must be mailed at least 7 days 

before renovation. Mailing must be documented by a certificate of mailing from the post office.

23
24
Sample Forms (continued)

25

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, Renovate Right, 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

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
26
Sample Renovation Recordkeeping Checklist

Name of Firm: 

Date and Location of Renovation: 

Brief Description of Renovation: 

Name of Assigned Renovator:

Name(s) of Trained Worker(s), if used: 

Name of Dust Sampling Technician, 

Inspector, or Risk Assessor, if used:

___ Copies of renovator and dust sampling technician qualifications (training certificates, certifications) on file.

___ Certified renovator provided training to workers on (check all that apply):

 ___ Posting warning signs ___ Setting up plastic containment barriers

 ___ Maintaining containment ___ Avoiding spread of dust to adjacent areas

 ___ Waste handling ___ Post-renovation cleaning

	 	 ___	Test kit or test results from an EPA-recognized laboratory on collected paint chip sample, used by certified

 renovator to determine whether lead was present on components affected by renovation (identify method 

 used, type of test kit used (if applicable), laboratory used to conduct paint chip analysis, describe sampling 

 locations and results):

___ Warning signs posted at entrance to work area.

___ Work area contained to prevent spread of dust and debris

 ___All objects in the work area removed or covered (interiors)

 ___HVAC ducts in the work area closed and covered (interiors)

 ___Windows in the work area closed (interiors)

 ___Windows in and within 20 feet of the work area closed (exteriors)

 ___Doors in the work area closed and sealed (interiors)

 ___Doors in and within 20 feet of the work area closed and sealed (exteriors)

 ___Doors that must be used in the work area covered to allow passage but prevent spread of dust

 ___Floors in the work area covered with taped-down plastic (interiors)

 ___Ground covered by plastic extending 10 feet from work area—plastic anchored to building and

 weighed down by heavy objects (exteriors)

 ___Vertical containment installed if property line prevents 10 feet of ground covering, or if necessary to prevent 

 migration of dust and debris to adjacent property (exteriors)

___ Waste contained on-site and while being transported off-site.

___ Work site properly cleaned after renovation

 ___All chips and debris picked up, protective sheeting misted, folded dirty side inward, and taped for removal

 ___Work area surfaces and objects cleaned using HEPA vacuum and/or wet cloths or mops (interiors)

___ Certified renovator performed post-renovation cleaning verification (describe results, including the

 number of wet and dry cloths used):

 

 ___If dust clearance testing was performed instead, attach a copy of report

___ I certify under penalty of law that the above information is true and complete.

Name and title Date

27
28
Where Can I Get Copies of the Lead Pamphlet?

For single copies, in Spanish or English, of The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right: Important 

Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Facilities and Schools (EPA-740-K-10-001), call the 

National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD. For any orders, be sure to use the appropriate stock reference number listed above.

There are four ways to get multiple copies:

1. Obtain downloadable copies (PDF) from the EPA website at 

www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/brochure.htm.

2. Call the Government Printing Office (GPO) Order Desk at 

(202) 512-1800.

3. Order from the GPO Bookstore at 

http://bookstore.gpo.gov/environment.

4. Request copies in writing from:

U.S. GPO

P.O. Box 979050

	 St. Louis, MO 63197-9000

The pamphlet may be photocopied for distribution as long as the text 

and graphics are readable.

Paperwork Reduction Act Notice: The incremental public burden for the collection of information contained in the Lead 

Renovation, Painting and Repair Program, which are approved under OMB Control No. 2070-0155 and identified under

EPA ICR No. 1715, is estimated to average approximately 54 hours per year for training providers. For firms engaged in 

regulated renovation, repair, and painting activities, the average incremental burden is estimated to be about 6.5 hours per 

year. Comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions 

for reducing the burden, may be sent to: Director, Collection Strategies Division, Office of Environmental Information, 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Mail Code 2822T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.

Include the OMB number identified above in any correspondence. Do not send any completed form(s) to this address. The

actual information or form(s) should be submitted in accordance with the instructions accompanying the form(s), or as 

specified in the corresponding regulations.

29
NOTICE 

This guide was prepared pursuant to section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory 

Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), Pub. L. 104-121. THIS DOCUMENT

IS NOT INTENDED, NOR CAN IT BE RELIED UPON, TO CREATE ANY RIGHTS 

ENFORCEABLE BY ANY PARTY IN LITIGATION WITH THE UNITED STATES. 

The statements in this document are intended solely as guidance to aid you in complying 

with the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program requirements in 40 

CFR 745, Subpart E. EPA may decide to revise this guide without public notice to reflect 

changes in EPA’s approach to implementing the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and 

Painting Program or to clarify and update text. To determine whether EPA has revised this 

guide and/or to obtain copies, contact EPA’s Small Business Ombudsman at 202-566-2075, 

or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD(5323), or on the 

web at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm.

1-800-424-LEAD (5323)

www.epa.gov/lead