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Phoenix, AZ Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Interior paint
must be lead-free
Exterior paint
no lead-based paint, any surface
Governing law
Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, Ch. 39
Interior inspection
requires consent or court order

Summary

Phoenix's Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance bans lead-based paint on any residential structure and requires lead-free paint on interior surfaces.

F. Interior surfaces and features. ... When paint is applied to interior surfaces, it must be lead-free. ... No lead-based paint shall be used on any surface of any structure.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under Phoenix City Code Chapter 39 (the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance), which covers all residential dwellings and dwelling units including rental housing, interior paint must be lead-free: Sec. 39-5(F) says that when paint is applied to interior surfaces, it must be lead-free. The exterior maintenance section goes further: Sec. 39-6(E)(2) flatly states no lead-based paint shall be used on any surface of any structure, covering exterior walls too. These are code-enforcement maintenance standards, not a lead-inspection or disclosure program, violations are handled through the City's neighborhood preservation/code enforcement process, with interior inspections requiring owner consent or a court order under Sec. 39-2(E).

Violations & Fines

Code enforcement citation under Chapter 39; owner or responsible party must repaint with lead-free product to correct the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Phoenix require lead paint disclosure for rentals?
The City Code's rule here is a maintenance ban on lead-based paint (Sec. 39-5(F), 39-6(E)(2)), not a separate city disclosure mandate: federal law separately requires disclosure for pre-1978 housing.
Can a Phoenix inspector enter my rental to check for lead paint?
Only with the owner's or responsible party's consent, or by court order, per Sec. 39-2(E) of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance.

Sources & Official References

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