Massachusetts Lead Law under MGL c.111 s.197A requires de-leading of pre-1978 homes when a child under 6 resides there, and Cambridge CEDO aggressively enforces compliance.
The Massachusetts Lead Law is among the strictest in the country. Under MGL c.111 sections 189A-199B, owners of pre-1978 residential properties where a child under 6 lives or will live must de-lead or bring the property into interim control. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with young children because of lead concerns. De-leading must be performed or supervised by a licensed deleader, and owners must obtain a Letter of Compliance or Letter of Interim Control. Cambridge has an active childhood lead poisoning prevention program through the Cambridge Public Health Department and CEDO, which inspects properties and enforces compliance. Civil penalties and treble damages apply for violations, and children poisoned by lead can recover damages from property owners.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle lead paint.
See how Cambridge's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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