Lead Paint: San Jose vs Santa Clara
How do lead paint rules compare between San Jose, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
San Jose and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County pre-1978 home renovation follows EPA RRP rules and CA Health and Safety Code 17920.10. Contractors disturbing more than 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior painted surfaces must be lead-certified.
View full San Jose rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara properties built before 1978 are subject to federal lead disclosure rules and California Health and Safety Code 17920.10, which treats deteriorated lead paint as a substandard housing condition.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| State statute | H and S 17920.10 | - |
| Federal rule | EPA RRP 40 CFR 745 | - |
| Trigger | Pre-1978 housing | - |
| Certification | CA CDPH Title 17 | - |
| Disclosure damages | Up to 3x actual | - |
| Pre-1978 trigger | - | Disclosure required |
| Federal law | - | Title X Lead Act |
| State law | - | H&S Code 17920.10 |
| Contractor | - | EPA/CA RRP certified |
| Deteriorated paint | - | Substandard condition |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a lead-certified contractor for a small patch?
Federal rules exempt minor repairs disturbing less than 6 square feet interior or 20 square feet exterior per room in a pre-1978 home. Above those thresholds or if the home is a child-occupied facility, certification is required.
Can a tenant sue over lead paint?
Yes. If the landlord knew or should have known of lead hazards and did not disclose or abate, tenants can sue under H and S 17920.10 for habitability, under 42 USC 4852d for nondisclosure, and under common law negligence for actual injuries.
Santa Clara FAQ
Does my Santa Clara home have lead paint?
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Federal law requires disclosure of known hazards before sale or rental.
Who can renovate my old home?
Contractors disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing must be EPA and California-certified RRP firms using lead-safe practices.
Compare other topics
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