The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
What's New
The RRP Course
This course was developed by the U.S. EPA, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to train renovation, repair, and painting contractors how to work safely in housing with lead-based paint and comply with EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, and HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rule. Below are links for the initial renovator model training course materials. This course should be used for individuals needing EPA certification as renovators. Visit EPA's "Model Renovator Training Course" website for course materials.
Helpful Tools
Are you a Renovator?
Find HUD-approved Lead Safe Work Practices Training Curricula
How to comply with the LSHR and the RRP
Frequently Asked Questions from OHHLHC Grantees
Lead-hazard information for renovation, repair and painting activities in the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF)
En Español (PDF)
Lead-safe work practices for contractors in the EPA pamphlet Contractors: Lead Safety During Renovation (PDF) color, in English
En Español (PDF)
HTML version
Other formats
How to comply with EPA's rule in the: EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF)
En Español (PDF)
Find additional EPA publications and brochures on lead-safe renovation, repair and painting and on lead poisoning prevention.
U.S.EPA/HUD Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Train-the-Trainer Program Presentation
Additional Information is available on EPA's RRP Website for States and Tribes | Property Owners of Rental Housing, Child-Occupied Facilities | Homeowners Working at Home | Tenants and Families of Children Under Age 6 in Child Care Facilities and Schools | Contractors Fee Rule Information for Training Providers | Lead Test Kit Vendors Related Notices, Final and Proposed Rules | EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
On April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Until that time, HUD and EPA recommend that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices.
There are some differences between the EPA RRP Rule and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule (LSHR). A major difference is that the LSHR requires clearance examinations. All housing receiving federal assistance must still comply with the LSHR. OHHLHC provides Information on complying with the LSHR and RRP, and Frequently-asked Questions from Grantees. Additional information for renovators is available.
All contractors should follow these three simple procedures:
Contain the work area.
Minimize dust.
Clean up thoroughly.
From December 2008, the rule has required that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint provide to owners and occupants of child care facilities and to parents and guardians of children under age six that attend child care facilities built prior to 1978 the lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) | en español (PDF)
Starting on April 22, 2010, the rule will affect paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:
Renovation contractors
Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
Painters and other specialty trades.
Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.
Read EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule.
Additional information on becoming an EPA-certified renovator or training provider is available on EPA's Renovator and Trainer Tool Box site.
Effective Dates of the Rule
June 23, 2008 Unaccredited renovator or dust sampling technician training programs may not advertise or provide training leading to EPA certification
States, Tribes, and Territories may begin to apply for authorization
Persons performing renovations for compensation in pre-1978 child-occupied facilities (e.g., child care facilities, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classrooms) must provide either Protect Your Family or Renovate Right to the owners and occupants before beginning renovations
Modifications/exemptions to Pre-renovation Education Rule take effect:
(1) Minor repair and maintenance exception changes to < 6 ft2 per room for interiors, 20 ft2 for exteriors. To qualify, the project cannot involve the use of high dust generating (“prohibited”) practices or window replacement.
(2) Emergency renovations specifically include interim controls performed in response to an elevated blood lead level in a child.
(3) Persons performing renovations for compensation in pre-1978 housing may use either Protect Your Family or Renovate Right to comply with the existing requirement to provide a lead hazard information pamphlet to the owners and occupants of target (pre-1978) housing before beginning renovations
December 22, 2008 Persons performing renovations for compensation in target (pre-1978) housing or child-occupied facilities must provide Renovate Right to the owners and occupants before beginning renovations
April 22, 2009 Training providers may begin applying to EPA for accreditation to provide renovator or dust sampling technician training
Persons seeking certification as renovators or dust sampling technicians may take accredited training as soon as it is available
October 22, 2009 Firms may begin applying to EPA for certification to conduct renovations
April 22, 2010 Renovations in target (pre-1978) housing and child-occupied facilities must be conducted by certified renovation firms, using renovators with accredited training, and following the work practice requirements of the rule
Apr 13, 2010
Apr 8, 2010
Realty Times - Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes
Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes
by Broderick Perkins
Buying a home is perhaps the most arduous, expensive and, ultimately, valuable acquisition you'll ever complete
Just one mistake could mean disaster -- perhaps the worst mistake you'll ever make.
In order to avoid titanic trip ups during such a trying transaction, RealEstate.com suggests buyers get to know the most common home buying blunders.
To know them is to avoid them.
Going solo Buying a house is a complex transaction. It should be a team effort. You'll need a real estate agent, lender, inspector, insurer, perhaps a lawyer and other team members to help you through each step of the way. Team build before you start the search.
Love at first sight If you believe in fairy tales you probably shouldn't be buying a home. You won't live happily ever after if you emote your way through the home buying process. Your home should fit your real needs, not your yen for drama. Buy a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Be sure the home is in a community and neighborhood you desire. Visit neighborhoods several times before you buy to check out schools, noise and traffic patterns.
'Loanless' shopping Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It's better to be pre-approved for a given loan. Sellers will take you more seriously. You'll stay on budget.
Overbuying Home buyers buying more than they could truly afford, in part, led to the collapse of the housing market. Buy more than you can afford and your dream home will become the same nightmare. Analyze all your monthly costs including debts, food, transportation, entertainment, and savings. Your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes. Don't forget to budget closing costs (often two to five percent of the home's purchase price), plus moving, redecorating and maintenance. Look ahead and allow for increases in ongoing expenses such as utilities and taxes.
Misplaced trust You are engaged in what's likely your most valuable acquisition ever. It's a business transaction. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professionals and others you trust for referrals, but don't take their word for it. Vet your team members.
Accepting oral agreements Get it in writing. The rate lock, the home inspection, disclosures, the contract. Always. Should a dispute arise, you've got the details documented.
Skipping the fine print Understand what's really in any document before picking up a pen. Get documents in advance, take time to read them and ask questions. Get copies of your mortgage and closing papers a few days ahead of closing.
Forgetting or betting on resale Avoid buying a home that costs 50 percent more than neighboring homes. Reconsider buying the most expensive home on the block. Neighbors' lower home values will weaken yours. Buy intending to flip your investment only to have the market fail means when it's time to sell your price may not cover your costs.
Making an unconditional offer Protect yourself with these contingencies:
• Mortgage financing. You may be preapproved but is the house? A formal appraisal confirms -- or not -- that there is sufficient value in the home to warrant the loan. If the house appraises lower than the sales price, the loan may be declined.
• Inspection. Never buy an existing or new home without a thorough home inspection. Walk through the home with the inspector to learn more about the house and any concerns he or she may have.
• Insurance. Confirm you can get adequate insurance coverage. In some areas, or following certain disasters, it can be difficult to get types of hazard insurance.
Published: April 8, 2010
by Broderick Perkins
Buying a home is perhaps the most arduous, expensive and, ultimately, valuable acquisition you'll ever complete
Just one mistake could mean disaster -- perhaps the worst mistake you'll ever make.
In order to avoid titanic trip ups during such a trying transaction, RealEstate.com suggests buyers get to know the most common home buying blunders.
To know them is to avoid them.
Going solo Buying a house is a complex transaction. It should be a team effort. You'll need a real estate agent, lender, inspector, insurer, perhaps a lawyer and other team members to help you through each step of the way. Team build before you start the search.
Love at first sight If you believe in fairy tales you probably shouldn't be buying a home. You won't live happily ever after if you emote your way through the home buying process. Your home should fit your real needs, not your yen for drama. Buy a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Be sure the home is in a community and neighborhood you desire. Visit neighborhoods several times before you buy to check out schools, noise and traffic patterns.
'Loanless' shopping Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It's better to be pre-approved for a given loan. Sellers will take you more seriously. You'll stay on budget.
Overbuying Home buyers buying more than they could truly afford, in part, led to the collapse of the housing market. Buy more than you can afford and your dream home will become the same nightmare. Analyze all your monthly costs including debts, food, transportation, entertainment, and savings. Your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes. Don't forget to budget closing costs (often two to five percent of the home's purchase price), plus moving, redecorating and maintenance. Look ahead and allow for increases in ongoing expenses such as utilities and taxes.
Misplaced trust You are engaged in what's likely your most valuable acquisition ever. It's a business transaction. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professionals and others you trust for referrals, but don't take their word for it. Vet your team members.
Accepting oral agreements Get it in writing. The rate lock, the home inspection, disclosures, the contract. Always. Should a dispute arise, you've got the details documented.
Skipping the fine print Understand what's really in any document before picking up a pen. Get documents in advance, take time to read them and ask questions. Get copies of your mortgage and closing papers a few days ahead of closing.
Forgetting or betting on resale Avoid buying a home that costs 50 percent more than neighboring homes. Reconsider buying the most expensive home on the block. Neighbors' lower home values will weaken yours. Buy intending to flip your investment only to have the market fail means when it's time to sell your price may not cover your costs.
Making an unconditional offer Protect yourself with these contingencies:
• Mortgage financing. You may be preapproved but is the house? A formal appraisal confirms -- or not -- that there is sufficient value in the home to warrant the loan. If the house appraises lower than the sales price, the loan may be declined.
• Inspection. Never buy an existing or new home without a thorough home inspection. Walk through the home with the inspector to learn more about the house and any concerns he or she may have.
• Insurance. Confirm you can get adequate insurance coverage. In some areas, or following certain disasters, it can be difficult to get types of hazard insurance.
Published: April 8, 2010
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