Lowell vs Newton
How do lead paint rules compare between Lowell, MA and Newton, MA?
Lowell and Newton have similar restriction levels.
Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell's historic housing stock triggers the Massachusetts Lead Law requiring full de-leading of pre-1978 homes where any child under 6 resides, a critical compliance issue for landlords and buyers.
View full Lowell rules →Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Under MGL c.111 s.197A, pre-1978 Newton homes with children under 6 must be de-leaded; sellers and landlords must disclose and comply with state Lead Law.
View full Newton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Newton |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Pre-1978 home + child under 6 | Pre-1978 housing, child under 6 |
| Statute | MGL c.111 s.197A, 105 CMR 460 | MGL c.111 s.197A |
| Disclosure | Required to buyers and renters | Required at sale and lease |
| Liability | Strict liability for poisoning | Strict; treble damages available |
| Compliance | - | Letter of Full or Interim Compliance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lowell FAQ
Can a Lowell landlord refuse families with kids due to lead?
No. Discrimination based on lead paint is illegal under MA fair housing law.
Who can de-lead my Lowell home?
Only a Massachusetts-licensed de-leader may perform the work; moderate-risk work can be done by trained owners.
Newton FAQ
Can a Newton landlord refuse to rent to families with kids?
No, refusing families to avoid lead paint obligations is housing discrimination under MGL c.151B.
Who can remove lead paint in my Newton home?
Most work requires a state-licensed deleader; trained owners may do limited moderate-risk tasks.
Compare other topics
See how Lowell and Newton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool