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Waltham, MA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Statute
MGL c.111 s.197A
Trigger Age
Child under 6
Property Age
Built before 1978
Enforcement
MA DPH CLPPP
Notification
Required at lease/sale

Summary

Waltham rental properties built before 1978 must comply with the Massachusetts Lead Law (MGL c.111 s.197A), requiring de-leading when a child under 6 resides in the home.

Section 197A. Prospective purchasers of premises shall be notified about the hazards of lead in paint, plaster or other accessible structural material in premises and the requirements for their abatement or containment as follows:-

(a) The director shall prepare a standard notification form and such other materials as may be necessary to inform prospective purchasers about the possible presence of dangerous levels of lead in such premises, the symptoms and treatment of lead poisoning, and the requirements of the lead law and regulations, including the provisions concerning liability for failure to abate or contain lead hazards and prohibitions against unlawful discrimination. The director shall prepare a separate notification form and materials for prospective purchas

Full Breakdown

The Massachusetts Lead Law (MGL c.111 s.189A-199B) requires owners of residential properties built before 1978 to remove or cover lead paint hazards when a child under 6 years old lives there. Waltham property owners must follow the state framework enforced by the Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP). Options include full de-leading by a licensed deleader, interim control measures by a qualified worker, or moderate-risk abatement with training. Owners must provide the Tenant Lead Law Notification and Property Transfer Notification at lease signing or sale. Non-compliance creates strict civil liability for childhood lead poisoning and potential criminal penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I de-lead my Waltham rental?
Yes if the home was built before 1978 and a child under age 6 will reside there; interim controls or full de-leading is required.
What is the Tenant Lead Law Notification?
A state-required disclosure form landlords must provide tenants before lease signing for pre-1978 rentals.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Waltham

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