Your obligations

If you own property that was built before 1978, there is a high probability that it has lead paint in it. Leaded paint is a hazard only if it is deteriorating—but long before it actually chips or flakes.

	What are your obligations?
If you perform routine maintenance on homes or apartment buildings built before 1978, you need to plan and safely carry out the work following EPA guidelines for lead-safe work practices, while minimizing the disturbance of lead-based paint. Protect yourself, your coworkers, your own family, and the lives of those living in the places where you are doing any kind of work, from the devastating effects of lead paint poisoning by becoming more informed and following lead-safe work practices. Lead Paint Safety: A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and Renovation Work (pdf) The Rochester City Council passed historic legislation and established a Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Ordinance that went into effect on 7/1/06. As a property owner, you should become familiar with the ordinance to see how and if it affects you. If you have any questions about the ordinance, contact the City of Rochester at (585) 428-LEAD or call your local NSC office. Reporting Unsafe Painting Practices (pdf) As of June 1, 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Pre-Renovation Education Rule (PRE) and requires “Protect Your Family from Lead in your Home” (English) or “Proteja a Su Familia en Contra del Plomo en Su Casa” (Spanish) be distributed to residents of pre-1978 housing before they begin any renovation or remodeling activities. The PRE requires written acknowledgement from the tenant that he or she has received the pamphlet. Alternatively, the property owner can send the pamphlet by certified mail. Property owners should keep this documentation in their files. These forms are available for download on the City of Rochester Lead Hazard Reduction Program website or by calling (585) 428-LEAD.