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What lead paint rules apply to landlords in Philadelphia?
Short answer
Lead Safe (or Lead Free) certification before lease and for license; Lead Safe based on inspection no older than 4 years
When: Every 4 years from the last lead inspection; also: before each new lease and each license renewal
For pre-March-1978 rentals, give the tenant a current Lead Safe or Lead Free certificate before signing a lease. Lead Safe certificates must rest on an inspection no more than 4 years old at license issuance/renewal or a new lease; Lead Free never expires.
"before a lease is signed, the landlord must provide the tenant with a current certificate indicating that the property is Lead Safe or Lead Free." phila.gov
"Lead safe certification must be based on an inspection performed no more than 4 years prior to rental license issuance, rental license renewal or execution of a new lease agreement." phila.gov
"For properties built before March 1978, the owner must submit lead certification and inspection reports to the Department of Public Health." phila.gov
Lead Safe (or Lead Free) certification before lease and for license; Lead Safe based on inspection no older than 4 years Verified
Deadline: Every 4 years from the last lead inspection; also: before each new lease and each license renewal
For pre-March-1978 rentals, give the tenant a current Lead Safe or Lead Free certificate before signing a lease. Lead Safe certificates must rest on an inspection no more than 4 years old at license issuance/renewal or a new lease; Lead Free never expires.
Who it covers: Buildings constructed before March 1978 (student housing developed by/for educational institutions excepted). Certificate + dust-wipe results uploaded to the Health Department portal before license application/renewal.
"before a lease is signed, the landlord must provide the tenant with a current certificate indicating that the property is Lead Safe or Lead Free." phila.gov
"Lead safe certification must be based on an inspection performed no more than 4 years prior to rental license issuance, rental license renewal or execution of a new lease agreement." phila.gov
"For properties built before March 1978, the owner must submit lead certification and inspection reports to the Department of Public Health." phila.gov
Notes: Partners in Good Housing (Sept 2025 edition). Adds to federal disclosure rule.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction
Federal lead disclosure rules that also apply
These apply to housing built before 1978 in every state, on top of the rules above.