Does the EPA lead rule apply if I do the work myself?

Generally no, per the EPA, unless you rent out all or part of the home, run a child care center in it, or are fixing it up to sell for profit. EPA still recommends lead-safe practices.

How do I check whether a contractor is lead-safe certified?

Use EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Firm search, or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323.

Renovations

Renovating a Pre-1978 Home in Haddonfield? What the EPA Lead-Safe Rule Requires of Your Contractor

If your house predates 1978 and someone is paid to sand, cut or replace painted surfaces, federal rules apply. Here's what to ask.

By Live Haddonfield · November 12, 2026

If your Haddonfield house was built before 1978 and you're paying someone to sand, cut, drill or replace painted surfaces, a federal rule covers that job. The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, or RRP rule, says the firm must be lead-safe certified, its crew must be trained, and you must get a lead pamphlet before work starts. Here's what that means in plain terms.

Why this matters here

In 1978 the federal government banned lead-based paint in homes. The EPA estimates about three quarters of U.S. homes built before then still have some. In a town full of Victorians, Colonials and 1920s bungalows, that's most of us.

Lead paint in good shape is manageable. The danger is dust. Scraping a window sash or opening a wall can spread fine lead dust through a house, and young kids are most at risk.

Who has to follow the rule

Per EPA, anyone paid to disturb paint in a pre-1978 home must be certified. That includes general contractors, painters, plumbers, electricians and carpenters, and even a one-person shop.

New Jersey isn't on EPA's list of states that run their own RRP program, so EPA runs it here.

What jobs count

Most work that disturbs paint counts: remodeling, repairs, electrical and plumbing, paint prep, carpentry and window replacement.

The small-job exception is narrow. Work that disturbs 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside, is exempt. But EPA says window replacement and demolition of painted surfaces are always covered, no matter the size. If you're weighing new windows, our piece on repairing or replacing historic windows is a good next read.

Not covered: homes built in 1978 or later, and parts of a home a certified inspector or risk assessor has declared lead-free.

What your contractor owes you

The "Renovate Right" pamphlet no more than 60 days before work begins. They need your written acknowledgment, or proof they mailed it at least 7 days before the job. If you rent the home to someone, an adult tenant gets one too.
Certification. The firm must be EPA certified, and a certified renovator has to be assigned to the job. Ask to see both.
Lead-safe work practices. Expect plastic sheeting, sealed doorways, misting before sanding, HEPA vacuums and a careful cleanup.
Records. Firms keep RRP records for three years.

Paint testing isn't required. But unless there's paperwork showing the paint isn't lead-based, the firm has to treat it as if it is.

Doing it yourself

EPA says the rule generally doesn't apply to homeowners working on their own home. It does if you rent out all or part of it, run a home child care, or flip houses. Either way, EPA's DIY guide is worth five minutes: contain the area, wear an N-100 respirator, keep dust down and clean twice.

How to check a contractor

Search EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Firm locator, or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323. In New Jersey, also confirm their home improvement registration, which we walk through in our contractor registration guide.

Landlords, note this is separate from the rental lead-safe certificate New Jersey requires. That one is in our lead-safe certificate explainer.

Sources

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FAQ

Does the EPA lead rule apply if I do the work myself?: Generally no, per the EPA, unless you rent out all or part of the home, run a child care center in it, or are fixing it up to sell for profit. EPA still recommends lead-safe practices.
Is window replacement covered by the lead-safe rule?: Yes. EPA says window replacement and demolition of painted surfaces are always covered, no matter how small.
How do I check whether a contractor is lead-safe certified?: Use EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Firm search, or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323.