EPA Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule

Lead paint dust from renovation is a leading cause of lead poisoning in children. EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule requires contractors who disturb paint in older homes and child-occupied buildings to be certified and use lead-safe work practices.

• Painters
• Remodelers
• Window installers
• Property managers

When the rule applies

• Work for pay that disturbs painted surfaces in housing built before 1978, or in child-occupied facilities like schools and day care centers built before 1978.
• It covers renovators, painters, electricians, plumbers, window installers, property managers and landlords.
• Minor repair exemption: generally less than 6 square feet of paint disturbed per room inside, or 20 square feet outside, unless the job involves window replacement, demolition or prohibited practices.
• Some states run their own EPA-authorized programs with similar or stricter rules.

Requirements

• The firm is certified by EPA or an authorized state
• A certified renovator (8-hour accredited course, with refresher training) directs the work
• Owners and occupants get the Renovate Right pamphlet before work starts
• Work area is contained with plastic sheeting and warning signs
• Cleanup is done with HEPA vacuums and wet wiping, and cleaning is verified
• Records are kept for 3 years

Prohibited practices

• Open-flame burning or torching of paint
• Power sanding, grinding, planing or blasting without HEPA-attached shrouds
• Heat guns operating at 1,100°F or higher

Last updated: October 2, 2026