# Lead paint rules for pre-1978 homes

Check the US RRP programme before paid work disturbs old paint.

Updated 2026-11-10. Also on the [web page](https://abatement.fyi/guides/lead-paint-pre-1978-homes).

## What the date means

EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting programme covers firms that disturb painted surfaces in covered homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978. EPA says firms must be certified and workers trained in lead-safe work practices. The year is a US programme boundary. It is not a test result for an individual wall. [EPA RRP]

Ask the contractor which programme covers your work and which authority administers it. EPA notes that some states and Tribes run their own authorized programmes. Check the correct authority rather than treating an EPA search result as a complete list for every location. [EPA RRP]

## Renovation and abatement are different scopes

Do not assume an RRP firm credential establishes lead abatement credentials. Ask whether the project is ordinary renovation that disturbs paint or work specifically intended to address a lead hazard. Put that purpose in the scope. Have the responsible authority confirm the required credential before you award the work.

## Landlords should check the business use

EPA says the RRP rule generally does not apply to homeowners doing work in their own homes. It notes exceptions for rental use, childcare in the home, and buying, renovating and selling for profit. Do not treat a do-it-yourself label as a blanket exemption for a rental property. [EPA RRP]

## Before work starts

Record the building age source, work locations and painted surfaces involved. Ask for the firm's certification details and the name of the person responsible for lead-safe practices. Ask how occupants, dust, waste and cleanup will be managed. Keep written scope and completion records with the property documents.

Ask about any claimed exemption in writing. Refer the question to the relevant programme if you cannot confirm it. This guide does not calculate exceptions from room size or declare paint safe. For a Canadian property, consult the provincial and local authority. The US date and certification system do not establish Canadian requirements.

## Sources

All sources below were fetched and checked on 2026-11-10. This is the check date, not a claim about publication date.

- [EPA RRP](https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program), accessed 2026-11-10.

## Questions

### Does this guide replace a project assessment?

No. Confirm the scope and current requirements with the responsible authority and a qualified professional.