Houston, TX Rental Inspections: Lead-Hazard Inspections (2026)

Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program. [...] Background. In 1978, the federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes, childcare facilities and preschools. Approximately three-quarters of the homes in the United States built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint. [...] Any renovation, repair or painting project in a pre-1978 home or building that has lead-based paint can easily create dangerous lead dust. Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule [...] EPA's RRP Rule requires that anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be certified and their employees be trained (either as a certified renovator or on-the-job by a certified renovator) in the use of lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants' exposure to lead hazards. In general, the RRP Rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own pre-1978 homes. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a childcare center in your home or if you buy, renovate and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper). EPA administers the RRP Program in most Tribes, states and territories [...] Contractors: In general, anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified in lead-safe work practices. This includes all firms, even sole proprietorships. [...] Renters: If you rent a pre-1978 home, your landlord or property management company must comply with the RRP Rule when performing work that disturbs paint.