Hayward, CA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Affected housing
- Pre-1978
- Federal rule
- EPA RRP
- State oversight
- CDPH Title 17
- Disclosure required
- Sales and leases
- Code basis
- HSC 17920.10
Summary
Hayward pre-1978 housing is subject to federal EPA RRP rule, California Title 17, and H and S Code 17920.10 requirements for lead-safe work practices, disclosures, and abatement.
(a) Any building or portion thereof including any dwelling unit, guestroom, or suite of rooms, or portion thereof, or the premises on which it is located, is deemed to be in violation of this part as to any portion that contains lead hazards. For purposes of this part, "lead hazards" means deteriorated lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, or disturbing lead-based paint without containment, if one or more of these hazards are present in one or more locations in amounts that are equal to or exceed the amounts of lead established for these terms in Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 35001) of Division 1 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations or by this section and that are likely to endanger the health of the public or the occupants thereof as a result of their proximity to the public or the occupants thereof.
(c) In the absence of new regulations adopted by the State Department of Health Services in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act defining the term "disturbing lead-based paint without containment" or modifying the term "deteriorated lead-based paint," for purposes of this part "disturbing lead-based paint without containment" and "deteriorated lead-based paint" shall be considered lead hazards as described in subdivision (a) only if the aggregate affected area is equal to or in excess of one of the following:
(1) Two square feet in any one interior room or space.
(2) Twenty square feet on exterior surfaces.
(3) Ten percent of the surface area on the interior or exterior type of component with a small surface area. Examples include window sills, baseboards, and trim.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), "disturbing lead-based paint without containment" and "deteriorated lead-based paint" shall be considered lead hazards, for purposes of this part, if it is determined that an area smaller than those specified in subdivision (c) is associated with a person with a blood lead level equal to or greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter.
Full Breakdown
Hayward properties built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint regulated under multiple layers. Federal EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires certified firms and workers using lead-safe practices for disturbances over six square feet interior or 20 square feet exterior. California Title 17 imposes parallel requirements, with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) certification for inspectors, assessors, supervisors, and workers performing abatement. Sellers and landlords must provide the federal Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet and disclose known lead hazards. California Health and Safety Code 17920.10 declares lead hazards in residential housing to be a public nuisance and substandard condition, authorizing local code enforcement action. Hayward Code Enforcement responds to complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a certified contractor in Hayward for old paint?
Are Hayward landlords liable for lead hazards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hayward
California rules heatmap·Compare Hayward to another location·View the California building safety overview
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How other cities in Alameda County handle lead paint.