Lead Paint Safety: Massachusetts Renters’ Rights Guide

Lead-based paint remains a significant health concern in older Massachusetts rental homes—especially for families with young children. If you’re renting in Massachusetts, it’s crucial to understand your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and the official steps you can take to keep your household safe from lead hazards.

Understanding Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Massachusetts Rentals

Lead was commonly used in paint before 1978 and can pose serious health risks—particularly to young children and pregnant women. Exposure may occur from dust, chips, or peeling paint in older buildings. State and federal laws provide strong protections for renters in Massachusetts, focusing on the safety of children under six.

What Are Landlords Required to Do?

• Landlords must disclose known lead-based paint information before signing a lease in housing built before 1978.
• If a child under six years old resides or will reside in the unit, the landlord must deleaded the property to meet state safety standards.
• Landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with children due to lead hazards; this is prohibited discrimination.
• Massachusetts requires strict compliance with both state and federal lead laws for rental properties.

Disclosure Laws and Required Forms

Renters should always receive certain forms as part of their lease process in eligible properties. Here’s what to expect and how to use them:

• Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification Form (Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification, Massachusetts Form CLPPP-1):
  This form must be provided by the landlord prior to leasing housing built before 1978. It confirms the landlord has disclosed all known information about lead in the property.
  Example: Before signing your lease, your landlord gives you this form. Read it, ask questions, and keep a signed copy for your records.
• Lead Law Tenant Certification Form (Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification):
  Tenants must sign this form acknowledging receipt of the lead law notification. This ensures you are aware of your rights and the hazards.

What To Do If You Suspect Unsafe Lead Levels

If you see peeling paint, dust, or suspect your rental has lead hazards and your landlord does not act after being notified, you can request an inspection:

• Contact your local Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) or Board of Health to request a lead inspection.
• Advise your landlord in writing of your concerns and request immediate repairs or deleading.

If you have a child under six years old living or frequently visiting, Massachusetts law provides extra protections—your landlord must arrange for deleading, even if you are not the parent or legal guardian.

How to File a Complaint or Get Help

Massachusetts renters may file formal complaints if their landlord is not meeting lead safety requirements. The following steps and official bodies can assist:

• If your landlord refuses to comply, contact your municipal Board of Health or the Massachusetts CLPPP for an inspection.
• If unresolved, you may submit a complaint to your city or town’s health department.
• Legal remedies may be sought through the Massachusetts Housing Court, the main tribunal for residential tenancy matters in the state.

For detailed renter protections, see Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 197 and the official state Lead Law guidance.^[1]

FAQs: Massachusetts Renters and Lead Paint

1. What should I do if my landlord hasn’t given me lead paint disclosure forms?
   Ask your landlord to provide the required documents immediately. If you still don’t receive them, contact your local Board of Health or the Massachusetts CLPPP to report the issue.
2. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination against families with children under six, regardless of a property’s lead status.
3. What happens during a lead inspection?
   A certified inspector checks your unit for lead hazards. If found, the landlord is typically required to correct them within a set timeframe.
4. Do I need to move out during deleading?
   Not always. Sometimes, families may stay in unaffected areas, but some situations require temporary relocation for safety. Discuss options with your landlord and inspector.
5. Where can I get help with a lead paint dispute?
   You can contact the Massachusetts CLPPP, your local Board of Health, or seek help through the Massachusetts Housing Court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP): Information, inspections, and complaint assistance
• Massachusetts Housing Court: The official tribunal for residential tenant-landlord issues, including lead hazards
• Lead Law details for Massachusetts renters
• Local Boards of Health Directory: File complaints or request inspections

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1. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 197 (Lead Paint)
2. Massachusetts State Lead Law Guidance (Official)
3. Massachusetts Housing Court

Key Takeaways for Massachusetts Renters:

• Landlords must disclose known lead hazards and use official forms prior to rental.
• Families with children under six have the right to live in safe, deleaded homes—landlords must not discriminate.
• State agencies and courts can provide inspection and enforcement help if your landlord does not comply with the law.

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