St. Louis Lead Safe Housing Ordinance (Chapter 11.72) requires lead inspection and certification for pre-1978 rentals. The city runs an aggressive childhood lead poisoning program through the Department of Health.
St. Louis Revised Code Chapter 11.72 establishes the Lead Safe Housing Program. Rental units built before 1978 must be inspected for lead hazards, and landlords must obtain a Lead Safe Certificate through either clearance testing (EPA/HUD standard) or interim controls with re-inspection. Property owners with children under six residing on-site who test positive for elevated blood lead levels (5 ug/dL or more under updated CDC standards) receive mandatory risk assessments from the St. Louis Department of Health. EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule federal certification is required for any contractor disturbing lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing. The city funds lead abatement through grants and requires property owners to complete remediation within set timelines.
Failure to obtain Lead Safe Certificate for rentals: civil penalties up to $500 per day and tenant relocation orders. Uncertified RRP work: federal EPA enforcement up to $47,357 per violation.
See how St. Louis's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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