Preparing for your Lead-Safe Inspection

Preparing for a lead-safe certification inspection as a landlord involves several important steps to ensure compliance with lead safety regulations and to demonstrate that your rental property meets the necessary standards. Here's a guide on how to prepare for a lead-safe certification inspection:

• Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the lead safety regulations applicable to rental properties in your area, including any local, state, or federal laws. In Philadelphia, for example, landlords are required to obtain lead-safe certification for rental properties built before 1978.


• Schedule Inspection: Contact a certified lead inspector or risk assessor to schedule a lead inspection of your rental property. Ensure that the inspector is accredited and authorized to perform lead inspections in accordance with regulatory requirements.


• Conduct Pre-Inspection: Before the scheduled inspection date, conduct a thorough walkthrough of your rental property to identify and address any potential lead hazards. This may include deteriorating paint, peeling paint, or other sources of lead dust.


• Remediate Lead Hazards: Take appropriate remediation measures to address any identified lead hazards before the inspection. This may involve repairing or encapsulating lead-based paint, replacing lead-contaminated surfaces, or implementing dust control measures.


• Gather Documentation: Compile documentation related to lead safety measures implemented in your rental property, such as records of lead inspections, lead hazard remediation activities, and any certifications obtained. Ensure that all documentation is organized and readily accessible for the inspection.


• Tenant Notification: Inform your tenants about the upcoming lead-safe certification inspection and any necessary preparations they may need to make. Provide them with information about lead hazards, their rights, and any temporary disruptions during the inspection process.


• Prepare the Property: Ensure that the rental property is clean, well-maintained, and free of clutter before the inspection. Make sure that all areas to be inspected are accessible to the inspector and that any necessary utilities are functional.


• Cooperate During Inspection: On the day of the inspection, be present to cooperate with the inspector and provide access to all areas of the rental property as needed. Answer any questions the inspector may have and provide additional information or documentation as requested.


• Address Inspection Findings: If any lead hazards are identified during the inspection, work with the inspector to develop a plan for addressing them promptly. Implement any required remediation measures and follow up with re-inspections as needed to ensure compliance.


• Maintain Compliance: Continuously monitor and maintain lead safety measures in your rental property to remain in compliance with lead safety regulations. Stay informed about any updates or changes to lead safety requirements and adjust your practices accordingly.