Lead-Safe Renovation & Repair Support for DC Landlords
Owning and maintaining an older rental property in Washington, DC comes with responsibilities that go beyond ordinary repairs.
For landlords with properties built before 1978, projects such as painting, drywall repair, window replacement, plumbing repairs, carpentry, kitchen renovations and bathroom renovations may involve disturbing painted surfaces.
The DC Landlord Association is pleased to share that our members now have access to lead-safe renovation and repair professionals who can support their property maintenance and renovation needs.
Supporting Owners of Older DC Properties
Washington, DC has a large inventory of older homes and apartment buildings. When renovation, repair or painting work disturbs painted surfaces in applicable pre-1978 properties, federal EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements may apply.
Having access to properly qualified professionals can help landlords approach these projects responsibly and with a better understanding of the applicable requirements.
Our members can request assistance with projects that may include:
Painting and surface preparation
Drywall and plaster repairs
Rental unit turnovers
Kitchen and bathroom renovations
Window and door replacement
Carpentry and trim repairs
Repairs associated with plumbing and electrical work
Interior and exterior renovations
Property rehabilitation
Rental inspection preparation
What Is Lead-Safe Renovation?
The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting program establishes requirements intended to reduce exposure to lead-contaminated dust that can be created when painted surfaces are disturbed during renovation work in applicable pre-1978 properties.
Depending on the property and scope of work, covered projects may require an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm, a Certified Renovator, trained workers, proper containment and cleanup procedures, and required documentation.
This is why choosing the right renovation or repair professional matters.
It is also important to understand that lead-safe renovation and repair is not necessarily the same as lead abatement, lead inspection or lead risk assessment. Those activities may require separate licenses or certifications.
Another Resource for Our Members
The DC Landlord Association's mission is not only to educate landlords, but also to connect our members with resources that can help them operate and maintain their properties professionally.
Lead-safe renovation and repair support is another resource available to our membership.
If you are planning work on an older rental property, we encourage you to contact the DC Landlord Association before the project begins.
We can help connect members with qualified renovation and repair resources, including EPA Lead-Safe Certified firms and Certified Renovators when appropriate for the project.
It Doesn't Have to Be a Major Renovation
Lead-safe requirements aren't something landlords should think about only when completely renovating a house.
A project may start with something as simple as:
"I need this wall repaired."
"The apartment needs to be painted before the next tenant moves in."
"We need to replace these old windows."
"The plumber needs to open the wall."
"We have damaged or peeling paint that needs to be repaired."
Depending on the age of the property and the work being performed, these projects may involve painted surfaces that require additional consideration.
The best time to determine what requirements may apply is before work begins.
Preparing a Rental for the Next Tenant?
Our members can also request help coordinating multiple services during a rental turnover.
A typical project may involve:
Repairs → Lead-Safe Work Practices → Drywall → Painting → Carpentry → Cleaning → Rental Inspection Preparation
Instead of searching for multiple unrelated contractors, members can contact the DC Landlord Association to discuss the project and available resources.
Do You Own a Property Built Before 1978?
Before beginning your next renovation or repair project, contact the DC Landlord Association.
Be prepared to provide information such as:
Property address
Approximate year built
Description of the work needed
Whether the property is occupied
Areas of the property being repaired or renovated
Photos of the affected areas
Desired project timeline
This information can help determine what type of contractor or service may be appropriate.
Protect the Property. Protect the Occupants. Protect Your Investment.
Proper lead-safe renovation practices aren't simply about completing a construction project. They are intended to help minimize the spread of potentially hazardous lead-contaminated dust while renovation and repair work is underway.
Providing access to qualified lead-safe renovation and repair professionals is another way the DC Landlord Association supports landlords before, during and after property repairs.
Need Renovation or Repair Work?
If you own or manage an older DC rental property and have an upcoming repair, turnover or renovation project, contact the DC Landlord Association and ask about our:
Lead-Safe Renovation & Repair Support
Our goal is simple: help our members find the right resources, get the work completed properly and maintain safer, better-performing rental properties.
Lead-safe renovation certification is different from lead abatement, lead inspection and lead risk assessment credentials. The specific requirements applicable to a project depend on the property, scope of work and applicable federal and District regulations.