Frequent Questions on General Information About the RRP Rule

Purpose & Requirements

What is the purpose of the RRP Rule?

The purpose of the RRP Rule is to minimize exposure from lead-based paint dust during renovation, repair or painting activities. This is a key effort in reducing the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning, particularly lead poisoning caused by housing contaminated by renovation activities. This will also minimize exposure to older children and adults who are also adversely impacted by lead-based paint dust exposure. Lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes prior to its ban for residential use in 1978. This paint can form toxic dust when it is disturbed during normal home repair work. EPA’s RRP Program is designed to reduce lead contamination by training contractors in relatively simple lead-safe work practices and certifying contractors to make sure that they follow lead-safe work practices. We also encourage consumers to choose firms that are certified.

Question Number: 23002-22990

What does the RPP Rule require?

Question Number: 23002-21795

Who Is Covered & Where It Applies

Who is covered by the RRP Rule?

The RRP Rule applies to all firms and individuals who are paid to perform renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. This includes home improvement contractors, maintenance workers, painters and other specialty trades.

Question Number: 23002-24685

Is it a violation of the RRP Rule for a homeowner to hire a firm that is not certified?

The RRP Rule does not impose requirements on homeowners. However, the hired firm would be in violation of the RRP Rule if it was uncertified and performing a covered renovation.

Question Number: 23002-19015

My school district will be performing asbestos abatement in a kindergarten classroom that was built before 1978. Do the asbestos abatement workers also need to comply with the RRP Rule?

Yes, if the asbestos abatement disrupts over six square feet of painted surface per room in an interior, or over 20 square feet of painted surface on an exterior or involves window replacement or demolition of painted surfaces. If so, the asbestos abatement will need to be performed by a firm certified under the RRP Rule. The firm will be required to assign an RRP-certified renovator to the project, and workers will need to have been trained by a certified renovator. Of course, the asbestos abatement must be designed and conducted by persons accredited in accordance with the Model Accreditation Plan. The asbestos abatement will need to meet the RRP Rule work practice standards as well as the standards for asbestos abatement. For each element of the job, the contractor will need to determine which standards are more stringent and comply with those standards. Typically, the asbestos abatement containment and waste handling requirements are more stringent than the RRP Rule provisions, so compliance with the asbestos requirements will also serve as compliance with the RRP requirements. However, both the asbestos air clearance and the RRP cleanup and verification requirements must be performed. Because the air clearance process is performed with the critical barriers still in place, it must be performed before RRP cleanup and verification.

Question Number: 23002-19805

Does the RRP Rule apply to state and local governments?

The RRP Rule requires that renovators are trained in the use of lead-safe work practices, that renovators and firms be certified, that providers of renovation training be accredited, and that renovators follow specific work practice standards. Contractors (including renovation, repair and painting workers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC professionals, etc.) working in pre-1978 homes, schools and childcare facilities must be EPA certified and trained in lead-safe work practices when conducting renovation, repair and painting activities that will disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces on the interior of a building or more than 20 square feet on the exterior. Window replacements are covered activities.

Question Number: 23002-15674

Compliance Obligations & Business Impacts

What records will my firm be required to keep to comply with the RRP Rule?

The following records must be retained for three years following the completion of a renovation:

Reports (if any) certifying that lead-based paint is not present;
Records relating to the distribution of the lead pamphlet; and
Documentation of compliance with the requirements of the regulation (EPA has prepared a sample form that is available online).

Question Number: 23002-23391

Will insurance premiums go up for contractors covered by the RRP Rule that work in homes and child-occupied facilities with lead-based paint?

The practice of carrying insurance to cover work in older homes from potential lead poisoning damages is not new. The RRP Rule, because it sets a clear standard of care and allows contractors to demonstrate that they meet that standard by taking appropriate training and using proper work practices, could eventually lead to insurance premiums that reflect that proactive stance.

Question Number: 23002-25279

Understanding the Rules & Where to Find Them

Is there one document available that includes the latest version of the RRP Rule, with all amendments added to their associated locations, in complete form, and not including the preamble?

Yes. Visit EPA's Lead-Based Paint Laws & Regulations webpage and then click on "40 CFR Part 745 - Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention in Certain Residential Structures".

Question Number: 23002-19407

If there are differences among EPA's, HUD's and my state's lead-safe work and housing requirements, which ones do I have to comply with?

You must comply with all applicable requirements. The initial 8-hour renovator training course will teach you how to perform lead-safe work practices safely and effectively in compliance with the EPA RRP Rule and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Safe Housing Rule. The RRP Rule is not intended to supersede or preempt any more stringent state or local laws.

Question Number: 23002-18597

Finding & Verifying Certified Firms (Information for Homeowners)

I am planning to renovate my home. How can I find a lead-safe certified firm?

Browse EPA's searchable database to help you locate lead-safe certified firms near you. In addition, you can call EPA's National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) if you have questions.

Question Number: 23002-18044

I have hired a firm to renovate my home, but now I am concerned about whether the firm is a lead-safe certified firm. How can I find out?

Browse EPA's searchable database to help you locate lead-safe certified firms near you. It is possible that your firm is not yet listed on EPA's website but is certified. If you do not find your firm on EPA's website, you should call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) and speak to an expert who can help you find out whether your firm is certified.

Question Number: 23002-18095

How can I find a certified renovation firm in my area?

EPA's website includes a search tool that allows consumers to find certified firms in their areas. Browse EPA’s searchable database. Alternatively, you can contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) for a list of contractors in your area.

Question Number: 23002-16209

Firm Certification & Program Administration

How long will it take EPA to process my application to be a lead-safe certified firm?

EPA is required to process your application to be a lead-safe certified firm within 90 days of receipt. In most instances, properly completed firm applications are processed in about one month.

Question Number: 23002-17543

I operate a renovation firm and I have heard that my state will adopt its own RRP program. Do I have to also be certified by EPA?

As of December 2025, fifteen states (Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin) and one Tribe (Boise Forte Band of Chippewa) have their own RRP programs. If your firm is located in one of these states or Tribe, you should contact them for information on their certification requirements. If you work outside of one of those states, your firm needs to be certified by EPA. Please refer to EPA's Firm Certification webpage for more information about getting certified.

Question Number: 23002-18120

Will a renovator working for a firm that has submitted a certification application to EPA but has not received its certification be allowed to work on pre-1978 properties assuming compliance with all other requirements of the RRP Rule?

No firm may perform, offer or claim to perform renovations covered by the RRP Rule without certification from EPA.

Question Number: 23002-25193