Lead in the District - Regulated Community

Certification, Accreditation, and Training for
Businesses, Contractors, & Property Owners (Regulated Community)

For Businesses

Businesses must become certified by DOEE prior to engaging in lead-based paint activities in dwelling units and child-occupied facilities constructed prior to 1978, such as abatement projects, risk assessments, and renovations. Many projects also require obtaining a permit from DOEE. Businesses that provide training in lead-based paint activities must be accredited by DOEE.

Permits and Projects

• To determine if your project requires a DOEE permit, submit a Lead Activity Notification Form
• Fill out and submit an online application for a lead renovation or abatement project
• If your project requires a permit and/or is conducted as a result of a DOEE Administrative Order or Notice of Lead-Based Paint Hazards, you must submit a clearance examination to [email protected] upon project completion. Learn more about Clearance Reports & Checklists

Certification and Business Entities 

• More information on DOEE business entity requirements
• Apply to become a DOEE certified Lead-Safe business entity
• Current list of DOEE-certified companies for lead-based paint abatement and interim controls, and lead-safe renovations and repairs
• Current list of DOEE-certified companies for lead paint inspections, lead risk assessments, dust clearances, and project design
• District of Columbia lead-safe work practices (explained)

Accreditation and Training Providers

• Apply for DOEE-accreditation as a training provider
• List of DOEE-accredited training providers

For Individuals

Before an individual may perform a lead-based paint activity, clearance examination, or renovation in a dwelling unit or child-occupied facility built before 1978, an individual shall obtain the appropriate certification from DOEE.

Certification for Individuals

• More information on DOEE individual disciplines requirements and fees (for worker, dust sampling technician, lead inspector, risk assessor, lead supervisor, and project designer)
• Apply to become a DOEE-certified lead-safe certified individual
• Current list of DOEE-certified individuals
• Get trained to conduct lead-based paint activities
• Certification Exam Study Materials and Certification Exam Schedule
• Lead-Based Paint Applications and Forms

For Property Managers and Property Owners

Property Managers and Owners must comply with the District’s lead laws. District law prohibits the presence of lead-based hazards in residential dwellings and child-occupied facilities. It is the obligation of the property owner to maintain their properties free from hazards, and to disclose knowledge of lead-based paint and lead hazards to their tenants and prospective buyers. All paint in dwellings and child-occupied facilities constructed prior to 1978 is presumed to be lead-based, unless tested and found to be lead-free by a lead-based paint inspector or lead risk assessor, and all lead-based paint and presumed lead-based paint that is deteriorated, chipping, peeling or otherwise not in tact is considered a hazard.

• 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. 
• Business Entities 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 a pregnant woman lives at 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. 
• Failure to comply with the District’s lead laws has financial penalties, see the Schedule of Fines.

Need help adhering to documents issued by DOEE?

DOEE issues letters, Notices, Orders and other official documents to owners. Review them and supporting documents carefully.

• 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.
• Submit the passing clearance examination report to DOEE using [email protected].
• Contact DOEE at 202-535-2600 for more information.