Starting this month, April 2010, requires renovation and repair contractors to be EPA certified to work with lead based paint hazards if they are doing work on a residential property built before 1978. HUD estimates this could be as many as 35 million homes. The certified contractor must supply the occupants of the residence with a new information booklet and must follow lead-safe work practices.

There are some exceptions to the rule. Homeowner occupants or tenant occupants may do work without certification. If the area is less than 6 square feet indoors or 20 square feet outdoors the project is exempt. Due to the prevalence of lead paint on window frames, window replacement is not exempt under the square footage rule. You may also have the area tested for the presence of lead paint by a certified specialist; if no lead paint is found in the work area then the project is exempt.

The disclosure booklet should be provided by your contractor. If you don’t get one or want to research the regulations go to www.EPA.gov