Dallas, TX Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies To
- Pre-1978 housing
- Interior Threshold
- 6 sq ft per room
- Exterior Threshold
- 20 sq ft
- Certification
- EPA/DSHS required for contractors
Summary
Lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 is regulated by EPA's RRP Rule and Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules (TELRR). Contractors disturbing more than 6 sq ft of interior paint or 20 sq ft of exterior paint must be EPA/DSHS certified.
Sec. 1955.052. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT. (a) The executive commissioner by rule may require a person involved in a lead-based paint activity in target housing or a public area that the department determines creates a public health hazard to be certified. The department shall delay implementation of the certification requirement for six months after the date the rule is adopted. (b) A rule adopted under this section must be consistent with federal law and rules.
Full Breakdown
Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978. The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires that contractors performing work in pre-1978 housing that disturbs more than 6 square feet of interior lead paint per room or more than 20 square feet of exterior lead paint be EPA-certified. Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) administers the Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules (TELRR) for lead-based paint activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. All lead abatement, inspection, and risk assessment activities must be performed by DSHS-certified individuals and firms. Homeowners performing work in owner-occupied dwellings are exempt if no other occupants are present during work. Dallas adopts the 2021 International Existing Building Code with Dallas Amendments, which references lead paint handling in renovation of older structures. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead paint under federal law (42 USC 4852d).
Violations & Fines
Contractors violating RRP rules face EPA fines up to $37,500 per day per violation. DSHS may revoke certifications. Failure to disclose lead paint carries federal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dallas homes have lead paint rules?
Do I need to disclose lead paint when selling a Dallas home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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