Newton vs Somerville
How do lead paint rules compare between Newton, MA and Somerville, MA?
Newton and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Newton | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Pre-1978 housing, child under 6 | Pre-1978 with child under 6 |
| Statute | MGL c.111 s.197A | MGL c.111 s.197A |
| Compliance | Letter of Full or Interim Compliance | - |
| Disclosure | Required at sale and lease | - |
| Liability | Strict; treble damages available | - |
| 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.
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.
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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