Lowell vs Somerville
How do lead paint rules compare between Lowell, MA and Somerville, MA?
Lowell and Somerville 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 →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 | Lowell | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Pre-1978 home + child under 6 | Pre-1978 with child under 6 |
| Statute | MGL c.111 s.197A, 105 CMR 460 | MGL c.111 s.197A |
| Disclosure | Required to buyers and renters | - |
| Liability | Strict liability for poisoning | - |
| 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.
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.
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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