Renton, WA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program — Background: In 1978, the federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes, childcare facilities and preschools. Approximately three-quarters of the homes in the United States built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint. Children can live safely in these homes as long as paint and surfaces are in good condition and surfaces are kept clean. The key is to keep children from coming into contact with lead. However, when painted surfaces are not maintained, paint can deteriorate, peel, chip or crack and become a hazard. Old or worn lead-based paint, especially on surfaces subject to constant friction like doors or window sills, can produce chips and dust that become a hazard when inhaled or ingested. Any renovation, repair or painting project in a pre-1978 home or building that has lead-based paint can easily create dangerous lead dust. [...] 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). [...] 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. [...] Property Managers: Property management companies that perform, offer or claim to perform work that disturbs paint in a pre-1978 residential building or child-occupied facility must become a lead-safe certified firm.