Adherence to the District’s Lead Law

Property Managers and Owners should be aware of the District’s Lead Law.

District Required Forms
The District’s Lead Law requires the issuance of several DOEE forms for pre-1978 properties.

Issue a completed DC Lead Disclosure form to tenant prior to obligation under a lease or a buyer prior to obligation under a contract
Issue a completed DC Tenant Rights form to tenant before a tenant executes or renews a lease and whenever the owner provides notice of rent increase
Issue a completed Property Access form to tenant at least 48 hours prior to work under the District’s lead law
Contractors are required to submit a completed Notice of Dust Sampling form to DOEE prior to performing dust testing
Issue a clearance examination report no older than 12 months to a tenant when a child under age 6 or pregnant woman lives or regularly visits your property [See definition of regularly visits in the regulations]
Issue a completed Clearance Examination Receipt Acknowledgement to tenant along with a clearance examination report
Issue a completed Tenant Right to Return Post Relocation to tenant post relocation

Need help adhering to documents issued by DOEE?
DOEE issues letters, Notices, Orders and other official documents to owners.

Review the letter, Notice or Order and supporting documents carefully.
Work with a housing counseling service organization for assistance, if needed.
Hire a DC certified abatement-renovation contractor to remediate identified hazards within the required time period.
Hire a DC certified consultant contractor to conduct lead testing and clearance examination and submit the report to DOEE within the required time period.
Make sure that your hired consultant is following the applicable clearance requirements by using the clearance examination checklist
Submit a written detailed request for an extension to [email protected], if applicable.
Review the lead compliance and enforcement program’s website.
Submit the passing clearance examination report to DOEE using [email protected].
Contact DOEE at 202-535-2600 for more information.

Need help hiring a DC certified contractor?
A DC Certified contractor is required for most projects disturbing lead-based paint on pre-1978 residential, child development facilities and other buildings.

Hire a DC certified contractor who can conduct the work to eliminate lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. Check out the DC certified abatement-renovation companies list at, Lead-Based Paint Abatement-Renovation Companies
Hire a DC certified contractor who can conduct lead testing, clearance examinations and other consulting services. Check out the DC certified consultant list at, Lead-Based Paint Consultant Companies
Ensure that the company you hire has DC certified professionals.

Need a permit?
A lead abatement or renovation permit may be required under the District’s Lead Law.

Submit a voluntary completed Lead-Based Paint Activity and Notification form to [email protected] for determining if a permit is required
Submit a Lead-Based Paint Activity Abatement or Renovation Permit Application to [email protected]
Submit a Lead-Based Paint Activity Abatement or Renovation Permit Revision Form to [email protected]

Get familiar with the lead-safe work practice requirements
The District’s Lead Law requires individuals, businesses, and owners to use lead-safe work practices to help prevent lead-based paint/hazard exposure.

Lead-Safe Work Practices (containment, waste remove, and more)

Get familiar with the DC individual and business entity certification requirements
The District’s Lead Law requires individuals and businesses to be trained in lead-safe work practices and in most projects, certified by DOEE.

Get educated with District agencies
Become familiar with applicable District agency requirements.

Here are some,

Get your Corporate Registration & Employee ID Number from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Get your Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupancy Permit from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Get your New Business Registration from the Office of Tax and Revenue
Get your Basic Business License from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Learn more about DC Building Codes, Zoning, Homeowner’s Center, and More and Fines
Learn more about permitting requirements from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Learn about inspections at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Contact the Department of Small and Local Business Development
Learn more about Housing Choice Voucher Program at the District of Columbia Housing Authority
Learn more about Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program from the Department of Housing and Community Development
Learn more about Small Building Program from the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Learn more about Housing Counseling Services from the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Learn more about Units, Condo-Co-Op Conversion and Sale, Rent Control, Housing Resource Center, Zoning, Rental Housing Commission, Tenant Opportunity to Purchase from the Department of Housing and Community Development
Are you a developer? Learn more at Department of Housing and Community Development
Learn more about disability services offered to District residents at the Department of Disability Services
Learn more about available services offered by the Department of Aging for District residents
Learn more about lead in water at DC Water

Need more information?

Contact TTY:

711