EPA Signals Tighter Lead-Paint Enforcement Beginning in 2026
What Property Owners and Managers Need to Know
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it will begin more aggressive enforcement of existing federal lead-paint rules starting in early 2026. While many of these requirements have been in place for years, the agency is making clear that violations will now be pursued more actively, with higher penalties and closer scrutiny.
What Is Changing
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The EPA is increasing enforcement of the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, which applies to most residential properties built before 1978.
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Contractors and maintenance personnel performing work that disturbs painted surfaces must follow lead-safe work practices and be properly certified.
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Post-work cleanup and dust control standards are being treated more strictly, with lower tolerance for unsafe lead dust levels.
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Enforcement actions—including fines and stop-work orders—will now be applied more consistently, even for smaller or routine projects.
Who Is Affected
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Landlords and property owners of pre-1978 housing
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Property managers, including those using in-house maintenance staff
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Contractors and handymen performing painting, repairs, or renovations
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Owners of certain non-residential buildings where children may be present
Why This Matters
EPA penalties for non-compliance can reach tens of thousands of dollars per violation, and enforcement cases often arise after a complaint, inspection, or tenant issue—not necessarily during major renovations. Many violations stem from routine work that was never intended to be “construction,” such as repainting, window repairs, or surface patching.
Practical Takeaways
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Confirm that any contractor working in pre-1978 properties is EPA Lead-Safe Certified
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Ensure that proper documentation is created and retained for covered work
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Review whether in-house maintenance staff must be certified under the RRP Rule
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Treat lead-safe compliance as a risk-management issue, not just a regulatory checkbox
Bottom Line
The rules themselves are not new—but enforcement expectations are. Property owners who take a proactive approach now can significantly reduce the risk of fines, project delays, and liability exposure later.