HUD Lead Rules: What Kentucky Housing Authorities Should Know

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HUD Lead Rules: What Kentucky Housing Authorities Should Know

Certified lead inspector collecting a dust sample from floor tiles during a HUD-compliant lead-based paint risk assessment in a residential building.

Managing housing that receives HUD funding comes with serious compliance responsibilities. One of the most important is addressing the risks of lead-based paint. HUD’s Lead-Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR Part 35) sets the standards for inspections, risk assessments, and hazard control in federally assisted housing. For housing authorities, property managers, and developers, understanding these guidelines isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting residents and maintaining eligibility for federal support.

Who the Guidelines Apply To

HUD’s lead-based paint requirements generally apply to:

  • Federally assisted housing built before 1978 (the year lead paint was banned for residential use)

  • Public housing, multifamily housing supported through HUD programs, and projects funded with HOME or CDBG funds

  • Rehabilitation, modernization, and acquisition projects that use federal dollars

There are limited exemptions, such as housing exclusively for the elderly (if children under 6 are not expected to live there) or properties certified lead-free by a licensed inspector. For most pre-1978 HUD-assisted properties, though, these rules are mandatory and enforceable.

What Inspections Involve

HUD distinguishes between lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments, both of which must be completed by certified professionals:

  • Inspection: Determines whether lead-based paint is present on painted or coated surfaces using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzers or, when needed, paint chip sampling for lab analysis.

  • Risk Assessment: Evaluates whether lead hazards—like deteriorated paint, contaminated dust, or soil—are present and provides recommendations for hazard control.

Both steps are essential for compliance and help ensure that any lead hazards are identified and addressed before families are exposed.

Corner of an older apartment interior showing peeling paint on the wall near a window, captured in natural light during a lead-based paint inspection.

How Housing Authorities Can Prepare

Preparation helps make the inspection and risk assessment process smoother and more cost-effective:

Provide unit access

Ensure inspectors can access all required units and common areas.

Communicate with residents

Notify tenants about inspection timelines and purpose. Clear communication builds cooperation and minimizes disruption.

Gather records

Construction dates, renovation history, and previous inspection reports help inspectors focus their work.

Plan scheduling

Coordinating across multiple units takes time. Aligning inspections with maintenance schedules can reduce tenant inconvenience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Assuming exemptions apply without proof: “Lead-free” claims must be backed by documentation.

  2. Failing to budget for hazard control: Identifying hazards is only half the battle—funding remediation is equally important.

  3. Overlooking common areas and exteriors: HUD rules extend beyond living spaces to stairwells, hallways, trim, and even playgrounds.

  4. Delaying report submission: Timely reports are critical. Delays can slow down project approvals or funding disbursements.

Why Compliance Matters

Beyond federal requirements, compliance with HUD’s lead-based paint guidelines is about protecting families—especially children—from the lasting effects of lead exposure. A proactive inspection and risk assessment program not only ensures safety but also builds trust with residents and demonstrates due diligence. For housing authorities and developers, that diligence safeguards continued access to HUD funding and strengthens community confidence in their work.

At CMEC Environmental, we believe in data, integrity, and transparency. Whether you are worried about musty odors, water damage, or recurring allergy symptoms, we are here to give you a clear, unbiased understanding of your environment so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

CMEC hard hat and safety equipment for environmental testing and radon inspections in Louisville, Kentucky.
Protect Your HUD-Funded Housing Investments

Lead Safety Starts With Professional Testing

Lead exposure doesn’t just pose a health risk—it threatens compliance, funding, and reputation. CMEC Environmental partners with Kentucky housing authorities, property managers, and developers to meet HUD’s Lead-Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR Part 35) requirements through certified inspections, detailed risk assessments, and guidance for hazard control.

Our team’s HUD-trained professionals use advanced XRF analyzers and precise laboratory testing to identify lead-based paint and assess exposure risks accurately. We help you plan next steps, manage documentation, and coordinate remediation in a way that keeps your projects compliant and your residents safe.

Protect your tenants, preserve your funding, and stay ahead of HUD requirements with CMEC Environmental’s trusted expertise.

Schedule a Lead Inspection Today

CMEC Environmental offers certified lead-based paint inspections and HUD-compliant risk assessments across Louisville and throughout Kentucky. Our team helps housing authorities, developers, and property managers meet the requirements of HUD’s Lead-Safe Housing Rule (24 CFR Part 35) through professional testing, clear documentation, and compliance guidance. Contact CMEC Environmental to protect your residents, your funding, and your reputation.