What Every Massachusetts Renter Needs to Know About Lead Paint Laws

If your home in Massachusetts was built before 1978, understanding lead paint laws is essential—especially if you have or plan to have children in the household. These laws are designed to protect tenants from harmful lead exposure and ensure landlords fulfill their legal responsibilities

Why Lead Paint Still Matters

Lead-based paint, used in homes prior to its 1978 ban, may still be present beneath newer coats of paint. As it deteriorates, it can produce lead dust, an invisible but toxic substance that settles on floors and windowsills.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no amount of lead exposure is safe for children, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, hearing issues, behavioral problems, and long-term neurological harm.

CDC: Sources of Lead

Required Disclosures from Landlords

Massachusetts landlords are legally required to disclose lead-related information before a tenant signs a lease on any property built before 1978. Required documents include:

• The Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification Form, signed by both landlord and tenant
• Copies of any lead inspection or risk assessment reports
• A valid Letter of Interim Control or Letter of Full Deleading Compliance, if applicable
• The EPA’s informational pamphlet, “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” EPA Pamphlet Info
• Failure to provide these documents may result in legal and financial penalties for the landlord.
  
  • Mass.gov: Tenant Lead Law Notification
  • 105 CMR 460.725 – Justia

Special Protections for Children Under Six

If a child under six will reside in the rental unit, Massachusetts law requires the landlord to take further action:

• All lead paint hazards must be eliminated or controlled
• The landlord cannot legally refuse to rent to families with children due to lead concerns
• Tenants are protected from retaliatory actions such as eviction or rent hikes after raising lead-related concerns

These protections are part of the Massachusetts Lead Law and anti-discrimination housing statutes.

• Massachusetts Lead Law Overview
• MassLegalHelp: How the Lead Laws Protect Tenants

If a landlord retaliates, tenants may be awarded damages equal to three months' rent.

• MassLegalHelp: Enforcing Your Rights

Your Rights as a Renter

As a Massachusetts renter, you have the legal right to:

• Receive all lead-related documentation before lease signing
• Request a free lead inspection through your local Board of Health or the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)
• Report violations or hazards to the appropriate local or state agencies
• Withhold rent or request repairs, provided you give written notice and follow legal procedure
• Pursue legal action if your child experiences lead poisoning—landlords can be held liable until the child turns 21

For more details on tenant protections and legal recourse:

• MassLegalHelp: Tenant Guide to Lead Poisoning Law
• GenerisOnline: Lead Law Compliance Guide

What You Should Do Before Signing a Lease

To protect yourself and your family, take these important steps:

1. Confirm whether the property was built before 1978
2. Ask for the Tenant Lead Law Notification, the EPA pamphlet, and any lead inspection records
3. Check for signs of peeling, chipping, or cracking paint
4. Ask the landlord when the last inspection or deleading occurred
5. Consider scheduling a third-party lead inspection before move-in

Why Choose MKC Associates Home Inspection for Lead Testing

Even when paperwork is in order, conditions inside a property can change. MKC Associates Home Inspection offers certified lead inspections throughout Massachusetts to help renters:

• Confirm current safety conditions in a unit
• Identify lead dust or hazards that may not be documented
• Provide peace of mind before signing a lease
• Strengthen communication with landlords using third-party reports

MKC serves Greater Boston, Worcester, Central Massachusetts, and Rhode Island with comprehensive home inspection services.

Schedule a Lead Inspection with MKC

Massachusetts lead laws offer strong protections for renters, but only if you know your rights and act on them. Whether you're moving into your first apartment or relocating with a family, requesting a lead inspection from a certified professional like MKC Associates Home Inspection is one of the most reliable ways to ensure your future home is safe.