Under MA Lead Law (MGL c.111 s.197A), Somerville owners must delead or apply interim control to any pre-1978 unit where a child under 6 lives, critical given the city's old housing stock.
The Massachusetts Lead Law, MGL c.111 s.189A through 199B, is among the strictest in the nation and is especially relevant in Somerville where much of the housing stock predates 1978. Property owners must remove or cover lead paint hazards in any home built before 1978 where a child under six lives or will live. Deleading must be performed by a licensed deleader (full compliance) or by an authorized person for low- and moderate-risk interim controls. After work, a Letter of Compliance or Letter of Interim Control must be issued by a licensed lead inspector and filed with the Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP). Landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with young children because of lead concerns; discrimination is prohibited under MGL c.151B and enforced by the MA Attorney General. Children under six in Somerville are screened annually for blood lead levels. Tax credits up to $1,500 per unit are available for deleading. Property sellers must give the Property Transfer Notification before offer.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle lead paint.
See how Somerville's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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