• Lead paint is safe as long as it is intact and covered by new paint, siding, or other coverings. 
• When painting for lead safety, NEVER dry scrape; scraping sends lead dust and chips throughout your property which is very hazardous.  
• ALWAYS wet scrape and use lead-safe work practices. Learn more.  The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP) requires that all renovations, repairs, and painting performed in pre-1978 housing must be done by or under the supervision of a certified renovator.  
• Landlords, contractors, and property managers doing the work themselves are required to take a class and earn EPA RRP certification which provides everything needed to perform repairs using lead-safe work practices.  
• For properties written up for lead hazards by the City of Buffalo or by the Erie County Department of Health, property owners can register for a Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) class held by the County by contacting joseph.desiderio@erie.gov for class schedule and registration. Class fee: $110 must be pre-paid. The session is free to veterans (must show military ID).  
• Additional Renovation, Repair and Painting classes in the area can be found on the EPA website. 
• Homeowners can participate in free training provided by the Erie County Health Department. Class schedule is online. Email leadsafe@erie.gov to schedule a training session.   
• If you hire a contractor, hire a professional certified in Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Find a certified contractor here.  

Both the City of Buffalo and the Erie County Department of Health have regulations to ensure that housing meets health and safety requirements. To request an inspection in Buffalo, call 311. For Erie County, email LeadSafe@erie.gov.    

Currently, the City of Buffalo is placing a sharper focus on the conditions of non-owner occupied one-and two-family homes because 80% of childhood lead poisoning occurs in those units. The Department of Permits & Inspections has launched an inspection program focused on one- and two-family homes that are used as rental properties. These inspections are performed at no cost to the owner and will not be initiated by a complaint; they will occur as part of a regular inspection schedule.  All occupied properties will be scheduled for proactive inspection by the department and will be required to maintain a Certificate of Rental Compliance to be eligible for rental. 

To learn more about this new program, visit the city’s website or download the Proactive Rental Inspection Brochure. You can make sure you’re ready for a Proactive Rental Inspection Review by completing the Proactive Rental Inspection Checklist.  

Learn more about lead poisoning and its effect on children here.