Lead Paint: Arlington vs Somerville
How do lead paint rules compare between Arlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Arlington and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
The Massachusetts Lead Law, MGL c.111 s.197A, requires de-leading of pre-1978 homes when a child under 6 resides there. Enforcement is strict.
View full Arlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
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.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | MGL c.111 s.197A | MGL c.111 s.197A |
| Regulations | 105 CMR 460 | - |
| Trigger | Child under 6 | Pre-1978 with child under 6 |
| Federal overlay | EPA RRP Rule | - |
| Discrimination ban | MGL c.151B | - |
| Letter | - | Compliance or Interim Control |
| Tax Credit | - | Up to $1500 per unit |
| Contact | - | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Does the law apply to condos?
Yes. Individual unit owners and associations share responsibility for common and limited common areas.
Can I refuse to rent to a family with kids?
No. That is illegal housing discrimination under MGL c.151B regardless of lead status.
Somerville FAQ
Can my Somerville landlord refuse to rent because of my kids?
No. Refusing to rent to families with children under 6 due to lead paint is illegal discrimination under MGL c.151B. The landlord must delead or apply interim controls.
Do I need to delead if I live in my own Somerville home?
Not required for owner-occupants, but strongly recommended if children under 6 live there. Blood lead testing is mandated for young children in MA.
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