Under MGL c.111 s.197A, pre-1978 Newton homes with children under 6 must be de-leaded; sellers and landlords must disclose and comply with state Lead Law.
The Massachusetts Lead Law, MGL Chapter 111 Section 197A, is among the strictest in the nation and applies to all Newton housing built before 1978 where a child under age 6 lives. Property owners must remove or cover lead paint, dust, and soil hazards and obtain a Letter of Full Compliance or Letter of Interim Control issued by a licensed lead inspector. Removal of high-risk surfaces (windows, doors, floors) typically must be done by a state-licensed deleader, while low-risk work can be done by owners trained under the Moderate Risk Deleading program. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with young children because of lead paint (that is illegal discrimination under MGL c.151B). Sellers and landlords must deliver the Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification and the federal EPA/HUD lead disclosure pamphlet before any sale or lease. Violations carry treble damages and strict liability for childhood lead poisoning.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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