LeadSafeRulesWhat fails a lead-safe inspection?
Codes differ, but the same things come up again and again in the official rules:
1. Deteriorated paint
Peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking paint. Burlington, VT flags 1 sq ft or more in total and requires repair within 30 days (§18-112).
2. Lead dust on floors and window sills
Pittsburgh's inspection requires dust-wipe samples from floors and sills in at least 4 rooms, including the entry room, a bedroom and the living room, analyzed by a certified lab (Ch. 782). NJ cities with high child lead levels (like Trenton) must use dust wipes instead of a visual check only.
3. Bare soil around the building
Pittsburgh's visual assessment includes bare soil on the lot (Ch. 782).
4. Friction and impact surfaces at turnover
NYC requires turnover work on doors and windows that rub, and floors, sills and window wells must be smooth and cleanable, followed by an independent dust clearance test (HPD turnover FAQ).
5. Paperwork
Missing records can be a violation of their own. NYC requires 10 years of lead records, with Class C penalties.
Not legal advice. LeadSafeRules summarizes official city and state sources for information only. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so confirm with the official source or your local housing or health department before relying on this. Every rule page links its source and shows the date we last checked it.