RIHousing’s LeadSafe Homes Program
- Provides forgivable loans to property owners to cover the costs associated with addressing lead-paint problems and other unsafe conditions
- Property owners are subject to no out-of-pocket expenses or monthly payments
- In most instances, after 3-5 years the loan is forgiven, meaning there is no cost to participate in this program.
- In most instances, assistance is free
- Homes built before 1978 (the year that lead was banned from paint) are eligible for the assistance
Work with us.
RIHousing’s LeadSafe Homes Program provides remediation of lead-paint based hazards, such as new windows and doors, interior and exterior painting and soil remediation. There are also resources to provide other healthy homes improvements, including, but not limited to, air quality improvements such as dryer vents and bathroom fans, minor electrical upgrades, and installation of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Why should you be concerned about lead paint?
Lead paint is particularly dangerous for children 6 and under. Lead paint can harm children by damaging the brain, slowing growth and development, causing learning disabilities and behavior problems. This damage is irreversible. Lead paint is also dangerous for pregnant women. Too much lead in a mother’s body can cause the baby to be born early or too small, cause the baby to have learning problems, and can put the mother at risk for miscarriage.
Lead paint is typically found in paint dust from old doors or windows opening and closing; peeling and chipped paint, from both inside and outside of the house; and soil that has paint dust or chips in it.
Lead Remediation Process
Submit an application
- If a single family home, the owner submits an application
- If a multifamily property, the owner and all tenants submit applications
A certified lead inspector inspects the property for lead hazards.
- They identify the lead hazards and create an outline for the work that needs to be done.
If healthy home concerns are identified, a plan to correct them is also made.
A RIHousing approved contractor is hired to conduct the work.
- RIHousing works closely with the property owner and contractor to make sure the work is done right and in a timely fashion.
All residents of the property do need to temporarily leave while the work is happening.
- How long this will take depends on how much work is needed, but on average it’s 5-7 days.
Residents can stay with family or friends, or RIHousing will pay for a hotel room.
Once the work is complete, a final inspection is conducted to ensure the property is now leadsafe.
- If so, the property receives a leadsafe certificate, something most homes in RI are required by law to have.
1. APPLICATION
Submit an application
- If a single family home, the owner submits an application
- If a multifamily property, the owner and all tenants submit applications
2. INSPECTION
A certified lead inspector inspects the property for lead hazards.
- They identify the lead hazards and create an outline for the work that needs to be done.
If healthy home concerns are identified, a plan to correct them is also made.
CONSTRUCTION
A RIHousing approved contractor is hired to conduct the work.
- RIHousing works closely with the property owner and contractor to make sure the work is done right and in a timely fashion.
RELOCATION
All residents of the property do need to temporarily leave while the work is happening.
- How long this will take depends on how much work is needed, but on average it’s 5-7 days.
Residents can stay with family or friends, or RIHousing will pay for a hotel room.
FINAL INSPECTION
Once the work is complete, a final inspection is conducted to ensure the property is now leadsafe.
- If so, the property receives a leadsafe certificate, something most homes in RI are required by law to have.
Whether you own your home or rent,
we can work with you to make your home safe.
