Updated Rental Property Lead Certification Laws in Philadelphia. 

Are you a landlord or property manager in Philadelphia? The rules about lead based paint inspections for landlords are changing again. Landlords should read this short article to learn more to be compliant.

Beginning October 1, 2020, landlords will be required to test and certify rental properties as “lead-safe” or “lead-free” in order to A) execute a new or renewed lease or B) receive or renew a rental license. 

New Lead Paint Certification Requirements to Take Effect in 2020

The requirements apply to all residential properties, but it will be phased in by zip code over two years.  Below are frequently-asked questions about how the law will be applied.  More information will be provided closer to the effective date.

• What are the new lead certification requirements?

Currently, landlords must test and certify their rental properties as lead-safe or lead-free if a child age 6 or under is residing in the property.  Starting on October 1, 2020, ALL rental properties in 11 Philadelphia zip codes will be required to obtain lead-free or lead-safe certification.  The remaining zip codes will be phased in over a two-year period. For a timeline by zip code , click here.   Properties and college dorms built after 1978 will be exempt.

• What does it mean if a property is “certified lead-safe”?

A certification that a property is lead safe means that a certified lead dust sampling technician or a licensed lead inspector-risk assessor has: 1) determined the property is free of deteriorated, flaking, chipping, peeling, chalking or not-intact paint, and 2) interior dust samples were collected, tested, and found not to contain hazardous levels of lead-contaminated dust. Contact us today, to schedule an appointment for a lead paint inspection.

• What does it mean to be lead free under this law?

A property is considered lead free where the property has been certified by a licensed lead risk assessor that it does not have any lead-based paint based on EPA/HUD standards. This certificate is valid indefinitely.

• What must I do if the dust wipe tests indicate that the property is not lead-safe?

The property must be remediated by a contractor certified by the EPA in Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP).  In many cases, remediation will involve wet sanding and repainting of paint that is peeling or chipping.  Because this remediation can create lead-containing dust, no one other than other than RRP-certified contractors should be present in the property during the work.  After the property is remediated, it must be tested again to assure that the remediation has rendered the property lead-safe.

• What do I need to do to show I’ve complied with the law?

Currently, you must mail, fax, or scan and email a copy of the certificate, and (for the lead safe properties) include a copy of the dust wipe test results, to:

Lead and Healthy Homes Program

Philadelphia Department of Public Health

2100 West Girard Avenue, Building #3

Philadelphia, PA 19130-1400

FAX #: 215-685-2978

Email: lead.cert@phila.gov

To read the full article, click here.