EPA RRP
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program - Certified Renovator / Lead-Safe Certified Firm
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The EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program is a federal regulatory program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under the RRP Rule, anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 must be certified, and their employees must be trained either as certified renovators or on-the-job by a certified renovator in lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards. The program also requires firms to be lead-safe certified firms. This credential is aimed at contractors, renovators, property managers, landlords, childcare facility operators, and real estate agents who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. The exam covers the scope and exemptions of the RRP Rule, certification and training requirements, lead-safe work practices, EPA-recognized lead test kits, roles of property managers and others, and the distinction between RRP and lead abatement. To prepare, study EPA’s RRP program materials, understand the emergency provision for post-disaster renovations, and review the list of authorized state and Tribal programs. Note that EPA administers the program in most Tribes, states and territories, but some states and one Tribe operate their own programs. Always verify current requirements with EPA or your authorized program.
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About EPA RRP preparation
Who must be certified under the RRP Rule?
Anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified in lead-safe work practices. This includes all firms, even sole proprietorships. Employees must be trained as certified renovators or on-the-job by a certified renovator.
Does the RRP Rule apply to homeowners doing their own renovations?
Generally, the RRP Rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own pre-1978 home. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a childcare center in your home, or buy, renovate and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper).
What is the emergency provision for disasters?
The RRP Rule includes an emergency provision exempting firms from certain requirements after a disaster to ensure that property owners and occupants can act quickly to preserve their homes and property. Read more about post-disaster renovations and lead-based paint on EPA’s website.
Which states and Tribes operate their own RRP programs?
EPA administers the RRP Program in most Tribes, states and territories, but has authorized the following to operate their own programs: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe-Boise Forte (Nette Lake).
What is the difference between RRP and lead abatement?
Lead abatement is an activity designed to permanently address lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. RRP projects may look similar but are a separate program requiring different certifications and regulated differently by EPA. Abatement often starts with inspections and/or risk assessments.
How can I find a lead-safe certified contractor?
EPA provides a tool to find a lead-safe certified contractor in your area. Homeowners planning an RRP project in a pre-1978 home are recommended to hire a lead-safe certified contractor who is certified and trained in lead-safe work practices.
What should renters know about the RRP Rule?
If you rent a pre-1978 home, your landlord or property management company must comply with the RRP Rule when performing work that disturbs paint. Renters have rights and can learn more about them on EPA’s website.
How do I report a violation of lead-based paint laws?
If you suspect there is a problem, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323 or report a violation to EPA online. EPA enforces lead-based paint laws to protect you and your family.