Cross Mountain Building Safety: Lead Paint Rules (2026)

Bexar County has not adopted a local lead-based paint ordinance, so requirements for pre-1978 housing built in older parts of San Antonio and surrounding communities come from federal law. The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, codified at 40 CFR Part 745 Subpart E, requires that any paid renovation disturbing more than 6 square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior painted surface in a pre-1978 home, child care facility, or kindergarten be performed by an EPA Certified Renovator working for an EPA Certified Firm, using lead-safe work practices including containment, wet methods, HEPA cleaning, and a post-job cleaning verification. Contractors must provide the EPA Renovate Right pamphlet to owners and occupants before starting. The HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule adds obligations for federally assisted housing including Housing Choice Voucher units common in San Antonio. Texas does not administer the RRP program, so enforcement in Bexar County is federal through EPA Region 6 in Dallas. Property owners selling or leasing pre-1978 housing must also comply with the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, commonly called Title X, which requires disclosure of known lead hazards and delivery of the Protect Your Family pamphlet.