Oak Lawn, IL Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

EPA's RRP Rule requires that anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be certified and their employees be trained (either as a certified renovator or on-the-job by a certified renovator) in the use of lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards. In general, the RRP Rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own pre-1978 homes. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a childcare center in your home or if you buy, renovate and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper). EPA administers the RRP Program in most Tribes, states and territories, but has authorized the following to operate their own programs: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe-Boise Forte (Nette Lake). Find information for the EPA-authorized Tribal and state programs listed . Who Does the RRP Program Apply To? Report a Violation EPA enforces lead-based paint laws to protect you and your family. If you suspect there is a problem, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323 or report a violation to EPA online . Contractors In general, anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified in lead-safe work practices. This includes all firms, even sole proprietorships. Learn how to fulfill your legal requirements under the RRP Rule to protect yourself, your employees and your clients . Watch a webinar for contractors on the RRP Rule . Learn how to apply for or update your EPA lead-safe certification . Find outreach materials to give consumers . Training Providers Training providers must be accredited by EPA (or an authorized Tribal or state program) to teach Certified Renovator and Lead Dust Sampling Technician Courses. Learn how to become an accredited training provider . Homeowners If you are planning an RRP project in a pre-1978 home, EPA recommends that homeowners hire a lead-safe certified contractor who is certified and trained in lead-safe work practices. Learn more about EPA’s recommendations for homeowners . Find a lead-safe certified contractor in your area . Do-It-Yourselfers Generally speaking, the RRP Rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own pre-1978 home. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a childcare center in your home or if you buy, renovate and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper). I f you decide to do the work yourself, make sure to use do-it-yourself (DIY) lead-safe work practices to protect you and your family. Learn how to prevent lead exposure with DIY lead-safe work practices . Renters If you rent a pre-1978 home, your landlord or property management company must comply with the RRP Rule when performing work that disturbs paint. Learn about your rights as a renter . Operators of Childcare Facilities The RRP Rule requires that renovations of child-occupied facilities in buildings built before 1978 only be performed by lead-safe certified renovation firms. Learn more about RRP Rule requirements for operators of childcare facilities . Find a lead-safe certified contractor in your area .