Philadelphia has one of the strictest lead paint laws in the country. Chapter 6-800 requires ALL rental properties to have a Lead Safe or Lead Free certificate before executing a lease or renewing a rental license. Fines are up to $2,000 per day of violation.
Philadelphia Code Chapter 6-800 (Lead Paint Disclosure and Certification) was significantly strengthened by Bill #180936, passed September 2019. Key requirements: ALL rental properties — not just those with young children — must be certified as either 'Lead Free' or 'Lead Safe' by a certified lead inspector before executing a new or renewed lease or receiving or renewing a rental license. A Lead Free certificate requires a certified inspector to confirm no lead-based paint is present. A Lead Safe certificate requires that any lead paint is intact and not creating hazards. Certificates must be filed with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Landlords must provide tenants with the certificate and EPA pamphlet before signing a lease. The law phases in by property size, with larger properties required to comply first. Tenants who discover deteriorated lead paint can file a complaint with the Health Department, which will order testing and remediation. Philadelphia's law is far stricter than federal requirements, making it the largest U.S. city with universal rental lead certification.
Fines of up to $2,000 per offense, with each day of non-compliance treated as a separate offense. Rental licenses may be denied or revoked. The Health Department can order immediate remediation for lead hazards. Criminal penalties may apply for egregious violations.
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See how Philadelphia's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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