New Law about Lead Based Paint

If you're renovating an existing home built before 1978, you should know that a new law is now in effect regarding who can work on the remodel. According to this law, renovations that disturb lead-based paint in older residential dwellings and child-occupied facilities must generally comply with the Lead-Based Paint Renovation Rule of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA had made this rule in 2008 but delayed implementing it until now. It is now in effect since April 22, 2010. The rule applies to building contractors, handymen, residential landlords, property managers, and anyone else who is paid to perform renovations or to direct workers to perform renovations as specified. The lead renovation rule does not apply to homeowners renovating the homes they live in. However, sellers of target housing must, among other things, disclose to their buyers any known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards as always.