Renovating, repairing or painting a home?

Are you renovating, repairing or painting a home containing lead-based paint?

If you are a landlord or property manager the following will effect the way you do business with contractors or "handy men". Not adherring to specific regulations could result in fines from the EPA. It may be a good idea to bring your vendors up to speed ahead of time. Inform them about the new ruling and the date it will go into effect. It should be common practice in your business to let your current vendors know they will have to be certified to remain a vendor with your company. In addition, ask new vendors if they are aware of the April 2010 rule.

Many times in the training classes I hold with the property managers in our office I try to impress upon them that as property managers we have two jobs: one is to manage the assets of the owners; the second job is to manage liabilty. Requiring your vendors to provide proof of licenses, insurance, bonding and certifications as required is definitely one way to manage liability.

Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Until that time, EPA recommends that anyone doing this type of work in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices. The contractor should follow these three simple procedures:
- Contain the work area
- Minimize dust
- Clean up throughly

Use the links on the right side of this page to download a copy of the EPA brochure for your vendors or to visit the EPA website for more information.