Moving in With a Baby? Here’s Why You Should Ask About a Lead Inspection First

Moving in With a Baby? Here’s Why You Should Ask About a Lead Inspection First

For families with young children, or those planning to start a family, lead safety should be a top priority when renting a home. This is especially true in Massachusetts, where a large portion of the housing stock was built before 1978 and may still contain lead-based paint.

Although landlords are legally required to comply with lead safety regulations, tenants are often left with incomplete or outdated information. A compliance certificate might exist, but that does not always guarantee that the home is currently safe. Deteriorating paint, unreported renovations, or overlooked details can still pose significant risks.

To help tenants protect their families and make confident housing decisions, MKC Associates Home Inspection now offers certified lead inspections across Massachusetts. Whether you are moving in with a newborn or planning ahead during pregnancy, a lead inspection is one of the most effective ways to ensure a safe living environment.

Why Lead Paint Is Still a Concern in Massachusetts Rentals

Lead-based paint was widely used before 1978 and is still present in many older homes. As paint ages and breaks down, it can release lead dust, which is nearly invisible. This dust can settle on floors, windowsills, and other surfaces where infants and toddlers crawl, play, and eat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no amount of lead exposure is considered safe for children. Even low levels of lead in the bloodstream can result in:

  • Developmental delays
  • Learning difficulties
  • Behavioral issues
  • Hearing problems
  • Long-term neurological impacts

Learn more from the CDC

What Massachusetts Law Requires

Massachusetts has some of the most protective lead laws in the country. If a child under the age of six will live in a rental unit, the landlord is legally required to remove or cover lead hazards through a process called deleading or interim control.

Here are key points to know:

  • Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 111, Section 197, landlords must comply with lead safety laws if a child under six resides in the home
  • A Lead Compliance Certificate or Letter of Interim Control must be issued by a licensed lead inspector
  • Landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with children due to lead concerns. Doing so is considered housing discrimination
  • The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides oversight and enforcement across the state

Visit the Massachusetts Lead Law information page or Learn more about CLPPP

Why a Lead Inspection Can Still Be Necessary

Even if a landlord provides a lead certificate, the condition of the home may have changed since the last inspection. New paint damage, maintenance lapses, or DIY renovations can create new lead hazards.

A lead inspection conducted on your behalf ensures you are getting current and reliable information about the actual state of the property. This is especially important if:

  • The property was built before 1978
  • The landlord is unsure when the last inspection took place
  • The unit has recently been painted or remodeled
  • You are pregnant or have a child under six who will live in the unit
  • You want peace of mind before signing a lease

MKC Associates Home Inspection provides lead inspections that are thorough, objective, and easy to schedule. We work with tenants across Greater Boston, Central Massachusetts, and Rhode Island to assess risk and provide documentation you can rely on.

Learn more about our Lead Inspection Services

Questions to Ask Your Landlord About Lead

Before signing a lease, consider asking the following:

  • Was this property built before 1978?
  • Do you have a current Lead Compliance Certificate?
  • When was the last lead inspection conducted?
  • Has any paint been removed, repaired, or disturbed since then?
  • Were deleading or interim control measures recently performed?
  • Are there any areas in the unit with chipping or peeling paint?
  • Can I schedule my own third-party lead inspection before move-in?

Protecting Your Family’s Health Starts Before You Move In

No home is worth compromising your child’s health. A professional lead inspection can uncover hazards that may not be visible during a walk-through or covered by outdated paperwork. MKC Associates Home Inspection is here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your next home.

Our team brings deep expertise and trusted service to every inspection. Whether you are preparing to move into your first family home or relocating during pregnancy, we can help you take that next step with greater confidence and clarity.

Schedule your lead inspection today

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