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Lead-Safe Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s Lead-Safe Renovation Rule

Did you know both company and individual certifications are needed to do lead renovation work?

See our Lead-Safe Renovation frequently asked questions for more details.


In 1978, lead was banned from paint and varnish for residential use. Lead can damage the brain and other systems, leading to:

  • Developmental delays.
  • Learning disabilities.
  • Reduced IQ and attention span.
  • A range of other health and behavioral effects.

Lead may still be present in paint and varnish in homes and child care centers built before 1978.

Wisconsin’s Lead-Safe Renovation Rule protects kids from lead paint dust that can be created during renovation work on homes and child care centers built before 1978. The rule covers work like:

  • Paint scraping.
  • Window removal.
  • Remodeling.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer and enforce the law through its Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program.

Related topics

You must be trained and certified before you can perform most paint-disturbing work—or even offer to perform most paint-disturbing work—on homes or child care centers built before 1978.

This work may include:

  • Paint scraping.
  • Replacing windows.
  • Remodeling.

Follow these step-by-step directions to get certified as a lead-safe renovator. Then sign up for training from an accredited provider.

If you misplaced or damaged your cleaning verification card, you can email us at DHSAsbestosLead@dhs.wisconsin.gov to request a new one. We’ll mail it to you, free of charge.

Learn the basic requirements of the rule as it applies to your work by selecting your profession’s fact sheet:

You can use test kits to determine the presence of lead-based paint, but there are rules about it for certified lead professionals. Use this lead test kit sample form to document lead test kit sampling results. Learn the requirements for using lead test kits.

  • “Renovate Right” pamphlet and sample pre-renovation form
    Lead companies are responsible for giving the EPA’s Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right to owners and occupants before starting renovation work on homes and child care centers built before 1978. Don’t give this to owners and occupants any earlier than 60 days before you actually start work, however, because of the supply chain issues delaying many projects right now.

You can use the EPA’s sample pre-renovation form (PDF) as written confirmation that you gave the guide to owners and occupants.

Learn about specific requirements based on the type of property and area being renovated in Wisconsin Admin. Code § DHS 163.14 (10).

  • “Renovate Right” renovation notice
    Use this sample renovation notice form to let tenants of multi-family housing units know of upcoming renovations. You can post them in common living areas. The form includes an area where you can document the steps you took to let tenants know, which you can keep for your records.

Learn about specific requirements based on the type of property and area being renovated in Wisconsin Admin. Code § DHS 163.14 (10).

Last revised October 25, 2023