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πŸ”§ Building Safety/Lead Paint

Lead Paint: Auburn vs Seattle

How do lead paint rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?

Auburn and Seattle have similar restriction levels.

Auburn, WA

King County

Heavy Restrictions

Federal EPA RRP Rule requires certified contractors for renovations on pre-1978 homes in Auburn. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead hazards under Title X and federal disclosure rules.

View full Auburn rules β†’

Seattle, WA

King County

Heavy Restrictions

Seattle follows federal EPA and Washington state lead-based paint regulations under RCW 70A.420. Landlords must disclose known lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing. Renovation, repair, and painting work disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 buildings must be performed by EPA-certified lead-safe firms. Washington's Department of Commerce administers the state lead-based paint activities program.

View full Seattle rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactAuburnSeattle
Federal ruleEPA RRP 40 CFR 745-
Applies toPre-1978 buildings-
Trigger>6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior-
DisclosureSellers and landlords-
PenaltyUp to $37,500 per violation-
Applies To-All pre-1978 residential properties
Disclosure Required-Known lead paint hazards, EPA pamphlet
RRP Certification-Required for renovation in pre-1978 homes
Record Retention-Disclosure forms kept 3 years minimum
State Law-RCW 70A.420

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Auburn FAQ

Does my Auburn 1985 house need lead-safe work?

No. RRP applies only to housing built before 1978. Homes built in 1978 or later are assumed not to have lead-based paint for these rules.

Can I do my own repairs on my pre-1978 home?

Homeowners doing work on their own primary residence (not rental) are exempt from RRP certification, but still should follow lead-safe practices to protect their family.

Seattle FAQ

Do Seattle landlords have to disclose lead paint?

Yes. Federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in all pre-1978 housing. Landlords must provide the EPA pamphlet and include a Lead Warning Statement in the lease.

Who can do renovation work involving lead paint in Seattle?

Only EPA-certified lead-safe firms may perform renovation, repair, or painting work that disturbs lead paint in pre-1978 housing. This applies to both contractors and property managers.

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