Madison pre-1978 housing is subject to Wisconsin lead-safe renovation rules under WI Stat. Chapter 254 and WI DHS 163. Contractors must be lead-safe certified, and landlords must disclose lead hazards under federal Title X and state law.
Wisconsin Stat. Chapter 254 (Environmental Health) and WI Admin Code DHS 163 govern lead poisoning prevention statewide. All contractors performing renovation, repair, or painting work that disturbs lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS) as lead-safe renovators, mirroring federal EPA RRP rules. Landlords of pre-1978 properties must provide the EPA lead disclosure pamphlet and any known lead hazard information to tenants. Madison's older housing stock (many pre-1950 homes in Marquette, Tenney-Lapham, and Williamson-Marquette) poses significant exposure risk. Public Health Madison Dane County investigates child blood lead elevations and can order abatement. Financial assistance for lead hazard reduction is available through the City Lead Program.
Uncertified renovation work can result in WI DHS fines up to 25,000 dollars per day. Landlord disclosure violations carry federal HUD penalties plus state action.
See how Madison's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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