🏡 The Maine Landlord’s Lead Law Playbook: What You Need to Know

Greetings Maine Landlords!

If you own or manage small multifamily buildings in Maine, there’s a hidden threat lurking in more places than you might think: lead-based paint.

And if a child under six lives on your property? You’re entering serious legal, financial, and ethical territory.

This newsletter is your go-to guide for navigating Maine’s lead laws as a responsible landlord—complete with data, compliance tips, and a quick quiz to sharpen your knowledge.

🧠 Why This Matters

Let’s start with some context:

📊 Over 54% of homes in Maine were built before 1978, the year the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in residential construction. — U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 American Community Survey

Lead exposure isn’t just an old-house issue—it’s a public health risk, especially for children under six. Even low levels of lead in blood can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and developmental delays.

Maine has some of the strictest lead laws in the country, especially when children are involved. Staying compliant isn’t optional—it’s essential.

🔍 The Step-by-Step Lead Compliance Playbook

1. Assume Lead Paint Until Proven Otherwise. If your building was constructed before 1978, the Maine CDC and DEP expect you to assume lead is present unless you have documentation from a certified lead inspection or risk assessment.

• 🔎 A Lead Inspection identifies where lead is located

• 🧪 A Risk Assessment identifies hazards and recommendations for abatement

• ✅ Hire a Maine-licensed Lead Inspector to confirm your property’s lead status

  
  

2. Renovation = RRP Rules Apply. Planning any work that disturbs painted surfaces (interior: 6+ sq. ft., exterior: 20+ sq. ft.)? You’re legally required to use a contractor certified under the

EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule.

💸 Penalties for violating RRP regulations can exceed $37,500 per day, per violation. — EPA Enforcement Alert, 2023

3. Communicate Clearly with Tenants. Maine and federal law require you to:

• Provide the EPA’s “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” brochure at lease signing or renewal

• Disclose known lead hazards in writing

• Share any available inspection or risk assessment reports

• Notify all residents immediately in writing if lead is discovered during renovation or inspections

4. Children Under 6 Trigger Mandatory Action. If a child under 6 moves in and is later found to have an elevated blood lead level (EBLL) of 3.5 µg/dL or higher, the Maine CDC will investigate the property.

If your building is confirmed as the source:

• A mandatory abatement order will be issued

• Units may be declared unfit for habitation until work is completed

• Abatement costs typically run from $10,000–$25,000+ per unit, depending on severity

Being proactive could save you thousands and prevent tenant displacement.

❓ Quiz Time: Test Your Lead Law Knowledge

Q1: What year was lead paint banned for residential use in the U.S.? 

a) 1965 b) 1978 c) 1985 d) 1991

Q2: True or False? If you own the building, you can do your own lead abatement.

Q3: How soon must tenants be notified if lead is discovered during renovation? 

a) 7 days b) 30 days c) Immediately d) Only at lease renewal

Q4: What is the threshold blood lead level that triggers a CDC investigation in Maine? 

a) 1.5 µg/dL b) 3.5 µg/dL c) 5.0 µg/dL d) 10 µg/dL

Answers: 

1: b 

2: False 

3: c 

4: b

🛠️ What To Do If You Discover Lead

1. Pause renovation or repair work immediately

2. Notify all tenants in writing

3. Hire a certified Lead Abatement Contractor

4. Complete abatement work using containment protocols

5. Schedule a clearance inspection before re-occupancy

Pro Tip: If you know a child under six will be moving in, conduct a lead inspection in advance to avoid urgent and costly surprises.

📚 Continue Your Education

Understanding and following Maine’s lead laws isn’t just a compliance task—it’s part of being a responsible housing provider. If you're unsure where to start, use these trusted resources:

🔍 Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) The official state resource for understanding Maine’s lead laws, testing requirements, and remediation guidelines.

🧰 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Lead Covers federal RRP rules, lead-safe certification, and compliance standards for property owners and contractors.

🏠 Maine Division of Environmental and Community Health – Lead Professionals Licensing Find information on how to become a licensed lead inspector, abatement contractor, or supervisor in Maine.

📄 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Lead-Based Paint Essential guidance on lead-based paint rules for landlords, housing providers, and grant participants.

🧪 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Lead Poisoning Prevention Access national data, educational materials, and prevention strategies to protect children from lead exposure.

📥 Want to Go Deeper?

We’ve created a free Lead Law Checklist for Maine Landlords—a simple one-page reference to help you:

• Know when inspections are required

• Track disclosures and documentation

• Stay ahead of legal obligations

  
  

Comment with “Send me the checklist” and we’ll send it your way. No sales pitch. Just good information.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. And keep your buildings safe—for everyone who calls them home.

— Mike Marquis 🏘️

📌 References:

• U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022, Housing Characteristics Data

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP)

• Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Lead Management Program

• Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

• EPA, Real Estate Disclosure Rule for Lead-Based Paint Hazards