Lead Paint in Older New Hampshire Homes: Renovating Safely
The federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes in 1978, EPA says, and its renovation rule covers paid work that disturbs paint in houses built before that. Devin Ouellette of Crimson Maple Construction says most of the houses he sees around Manchester are older town-houses and homes from the 1800s and 1900s.
What the RRP rule requires
In EPA's words, the RRP Rule "requires that anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be certified and their employees be trained." EPA's contractor page adds that this means all firms, even sole proprietorships, and that the rule carries pre-renovation education, training, firm certification and work practice requirements.
The jobs it covers
EPA's list of covered work: remodeling and repair, electrical work, plumbing, painting preparation, carpentry and window replacement. The same EPA page exempts small jobs that disturb six square feet of paint or less per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside. Window replacement and demolition of painted surfaces are covered at any size.
Testing the paint
The rule doesn't require a paint test. But unless there's paperwork showing the paint isn't lead-based, EPA says, the rule applies. If the paint does get tested, a certified renovator, inspector or risk assessor has to test every surface the work will touch.
Doing the work yourself
In general the rule doesn't cover homeowners working on their own pre-1978 homes. It does if you rent out all or part of the house, run a childcare center in it, or buy, renovate and sell homes for profit.
New Hampshire's rule for older rentals
New Hampshire adds a law of its own. Under RSA 130-A:5-d, since July 1, 2024, a rental unit converted from another use in a building erected before January 1, 1978, and a newly licensed day care in such a building, need certification of lead safety before they are used. Manchester's Building Division flags it on its own page.
The Renovate Right pamphlet
EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet explains the legal requirements for lead-safe work during a renovation, for homeowners, tenants, child care providers and parents.
Photographed on site
From our job photos
Trim · posted July 2026 
Framing · posted September 2026
Where to check this yourself
The work this guide is about
Manchester, NH
Work planned on an older house?
Call (603) 722-3344 to set up a time for Devin to look at the job.