Lead Paint Inspection · Springfield & Western Massachusetts
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Massachusetts law — MGL Chapter 111, Section 197 — requires owners of rental properties built before 1978 to delead, or bring under interim control, any unit where a child under six lives. This isn’t optional paperwork: landlords who don’t comply can face significant penalties, and under Section 199, an owner without a valid Letter of Compliance or Letter of Interim Control can face strict liability if an occupant is harmed — regardless of fault.
This matters especially for landlords in Springfield’s denser rental neighborhoods — Pine Point, Old Hill, Metro Center, and the Bay neighborhood all have significant pre-1978 multi-family housing stock where this requirement applies routinely.
The certification process starts with an inspection to determine the current condition of the property. If deleading or interim control work is needed, that work is completed and then verified, and the property is issued a Letter of Compliance (permanent, strongest protection) or Letter of Interim Control (valid one year, renewable once for a second year) confirming its status.
We help landlords and property managers through the entire process: the initial inspection, coordinating any required remediation, and the follow-up verification needed to obtain the compliance letter — along with guidance on renewal timing so certification doesn’t lapse between tenancies. If a hazard is identified during inspection, a full Risk Assessment determines the right path forward.
Massachusetts also offers a tax credit of up to $3,000 per unit for property owners who bring a rental unit into full lead-safe compliance — worth factoring into the cost of getting certified, since it offsets a meaningful portion of any required remediation work.
For owners of multiple rental units, staying ahead of certification status across a portfolio is often the biggest challenge. We can help you track and schedule inspections across multiple properties so nothing falls through the cracks.
Frequently asked questions
The legal requirement applies to pre-1978 rental units where a child under six lives. Because landlords can’t legally turn away families with young children over lead paint, many owners certify units ahead of time rather than waiting. Requirements can vary by specific situation, so it’s worth confirming for your property.
Yes — Massachusetts offers a tax credit of up to $3,000 per unit for property owners who achieve full lead-safe compliance. Ask us for guidance on how this applies to your property when you get certified.
You’ll receive a report outlining what needs to be addressed under Section 197 — either interim control measures or full abatement. Once remediation work is complete, a follow-up inspection verifies the property and the appropriate compliance letter can be issued. Renting without addressing a failed inspection exposes you to real liability under Section 199.
A Letter of Compliance doesn’t expire on a fixed timeline. A Letter of Interim Control is valid for one year and can be renewed once, for a second year, if the property still meets interim standards at reinspection. After that, full compliance is required.
Tell us about your property and what you need.
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Springfield & Western MA Lead Testing
We connect homeowners, landlords, and contractors in Springfield and Western Massachusetts with Massachusetts-licensed lead inspectors and risk assessors.
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