Renters

By Vermont law, landlords are required to follow the Inspection, Repair and Cleaning (IRC) Practices and to hire licensed Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair, Painting and Maintenance (RRPM) workers for renovation, repair or painting work. 

At the start of your lease, your landlord must:  

• Give you the Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pamphlet.
• Give you a copy of the most recent IRC Practices compliance statement.
• Tell you about any known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards.

Each year, your landlord must:

• Inspect for chipping and peeling paint or coatings, and pick up any paint chips from the property grounds.
• Block access immediately to any areas that need paint repair.
• Have repairs done by Lead-Safe RRPM licensed workers within 30 days of finding out about them.
• Install window well inserts in all pre-1978 wooden sash windows.
• Perform a specialized cleaning in common areas, and when there is a new tenant.
• Post a notice in a prominent place - in either a common area or in each unit - that asks occupants to report deteriorated paint to the owner of the building promptly.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your family: 

• Learn about IRC Practices and what landlords are required to do each year.
  • Look up your IRC Practices compliance statement.
  • Don’t see a compliance statement for your home or have a concern? Fill out this survey.
• Report chipping and peeling paint to your landlord.
  • Be sure to look carefully in all hard-to-see places.
  • If the paint does not appear smooth and firmly attached to the surface it is on, it needs to be repaired.
  • Look for the notice poster for information about how to report it.
• Know what to ask, what to look for, and how to report a concern when renovation or repair work is being done.
• Clean windowsills, floors and other horizontal surfaces regularly using soap and a wet, disposable cloth.
• Reach out to the Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program if you have concerns.
  • If you think your landlord is not following the law, please talk to them first, or you can complete this form and we will look into it.