Birmingham's pre-1978 housing stock is widespread; renovations must follow EPA RRP rules, and JCDH investigates childhood lead poisoning cases tied to deteriorated paint.
Federal law requires that contractors disturbing lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes follow the EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule, and Alabama enforces RRP under its delegated authority through the Alabama Department of Public Health. Birmingham has substantial pre-1978 housing, especially in historic neighborhoods such as Ensley, North Birmingham, and Avondale. JCDH investigates elevated childhood blood-lead cases and can require landlords to abate hazards. Tenants must receive the federal lead disclosure pamphlet at lease signing, and sellers must disclose known lead hazards.
EPA RRP fines can reach thousands of dollars per day; JCDH can order vacating, abatement, and lien the property to recover costs if the landlord ignores the order.
See how Birmingham's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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