Philadelphia Passes Rental Property Lead Certification Law - Landlords Must Comply

What are the Lead-Safe Laws in Philadelphia?

To protect residents from lead exposure, the city of Philadelphia has implemented lead safe certification laws. These laws require that all rental properties built before 1978, and any property where a child under six years old lives, must be certified as lead safe before being rented out or sold. Landlords must obtain a lead safe certification from a certified lead inspector, and must provide tenants with a copy of the certification.

You can learn more about the Rental Property Lead Certification Law at the City of Philadelphia's website:
https://www.phila.gov/2019-10-22-rental-property-lead-certification-law/
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How can a Philadelphia landlord or home owner comply with the Lead-Safe laws?

To become certified, the property must pass a Lead-Safe inspection in accordance with the EPA. A, EPA Certified Lead Dust Sampling Technician will perform this test. If lead hazards are found, the landlord must correct them before the property can be certified as lead safe.

The inspection consists of two main parts:

• A Visual Inspection
• Dust Sampling from various areas sent to a Lab for testing

Philadelphia landlords must get a lead safe certificate because lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in young children. Lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems, among other health issues. Young children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because their bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are still developing.

By requiring rental properties to be certified as lead safe, the city of Philadelphia is helping to ensure that children can grow up in healthy and safe environments. Landlords have a responsibility to provide safe and healthy housing for their tenants, and obtaining a lead safe certification is an important step in meeting that responsibility.

Why can't I just self certify like I used to be able to?

To protect residents from lead exposure, the city of Philadelphia has implemented lead safe certification laws. These laws require that all rental properties built before 1978, and any property where a child under six years old lives, must be certified as lead safe before being rented out or sold. Landlords must obtain a lead safe certification from a certified lead inspector, and must provide tenants with a copy of the certification.

How long is my Lead-Safe Certification good for?

In Philadelphia, PA, your Lead-Free Certification is good for four (4) years.