Nashville, TN Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Lead-based paint regulations in Nashville follow federal EPA requirements. For all residential properties built before 1978, landlords and sellers must comply with the federal Lead Disclosure Rule (24 CFR Part 35 and 40 CFR Part 745): disclosing known lead-based paint hazards, providing the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home,' and including a Lead Warning Statement in lease or sales contracts. Tennessee does not have a comprehensive state lead-based paint statute beyond requiring compliance with federal law. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) provides guidance on lead hazard management but defers primarily to EPA for enforcement of lead disclosure and renovation rules. All renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) work that disturbs more than 6 square feet of lead paint in interior rooms or 20 square feet on exteriors in pre-1978 housing must be performed by EPA-certified lead-safe firms using lead-safe work practices. Nashville's Metro Codes department enforces building standards that incorporate these federal requirements for construction and renovation activities. Signed disclosure forms must be retained for at least 3 years. Nashville's older neighborhoods, particularly those with homes built before 1950, have higher concentrations of lead-based paint.