Somerville vs Waltham
How do lead paint rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Somerville and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham rental properties built before 1978 must comply with the Massachusetts Lead Law (MGL c.111 s.197A), requiring de-leading when a child under 6 resides in the home.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | MGL c.111 s.197A | MGL c.111 s.197A |
| Trigger | Pre-1978 with child under 6 | - |
| Letter | Compliance or Interim Control | - |
| Tax Credit | Up to $1500 per unit | - |
| Contact | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 | - |
| Trigger Age | - | Child under 6 |
| Property Age | - | Built before 1978 |
| Enforcement | - | MA DPH CLPPP |
| Notification | - | Required at lease/sale |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Waltham FAQ
Must I de-lead my Waltham rental?
Yes if the home was built before 1978 and a child under age 6 will reside there; interim controls or full de-leading is required.
What is the Tenant Lead Law Notification?
A state-required disclosure form landlords must provide tenants before lease signing for pre-1978 rentals.
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