New Orleans, LA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

New Orleans Code §82-318, in Chapter 82's Article VIII on lead paint poisoning, sets the notice chain for any job covered by the article, work disturbing or removing paint on a building built before December 31, 1978. Before requesting bids, the owner or contractor must notify every bidder of any paint inspection report confirming lead-based paint in the work area (§82-318(a)). Before power sanding an exterior surface, the responsible party files written notice with the director of the Department of Safety and Permits describing the project location, scope, methods, building age, schedule, and whether the property is owner-occupied or rental (§82-318(b)).

§745, and the owner must hand each tenant the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" (§82-318(e)(2)). A contractor working on residential property must separately deliver that same pamphlet to the owner at least three business days ahead (§82-318(f)). Two narrow exceptions let work start sooner: a genuine safety emergency (§82-318(g)) or a tenant's own written request to proceed early (§82-318(h)). Paint retailers selling to owners of pre-1978 buildings must post a point-of-sale sign directing buyers to notify the Department of Safety and Permits at (504) 565-6111 before removing old paint (§82-318(i)). Landlords may not retaliate against a tenant, by raising rent, cutting services, or threatening eviction, for reporting a violation of this article, under §82-322.