Get Lead Based Certification

An owner of a home in Massachusetts built before 1978 must have the home inspected for lead if a child under six years old lives there. If lead hazards are found, the home must be deleaded or brought under interim control.

It was banned from home use in 1978, but many residential buildings and homes in Massachusetts predate the mandate. Although the current mandate calls for stripping dangerous levels of lead from houses with young children, residences that have been deemed lead-safe don't necessarily stay that way forever.

The Lead Law protects a child's right to a lead-safe home. It requires the removal or control of lead paint in houses with children under 6. If houses built before 1978 are being sold or rented, sellers, real estate agents, and owners who rent their homes are required to notify their buyers and tenants of lead risks.

There are several ways to remove lead-based paints: Wire brushing or wet hand scraping with the aid of a non-flammable solvent or abrasive compound. Liquid paint removers can be used on small areas, such as windowsills, doors and woodwork.

Quotes for deleading can vary greatly: Project costs of bringing properties into compliance this year ranged from $800 to $2500. Make sure to inquire whether financial assistance is available from the state or city where your property is located.

Deleading work must be done by a trained and licensed person. A licensed lead inspector will reinspect, and if there are passes, you will receive a letter of full deleading compliance. You may choose to have only urgent lead hazards corrected, while controlling remaining hazards.

Yes, but you must disclose the presence of lead-based paint to potential buyers if you know it is present, or say you don't know if it's present or not if that is the case. Your disclosure of the presence of lead-based paint in the home must come with a document such as: A risk assessment report.

If you have any questions, please contact our Licensing Office at (617) 626-6960, (617) 626-6963, or (617) 626-6030. Please submit your application at least 14 days prior to the expiration of your current license to allow for processing.