Can't Get Lead Safe Certified: Can't Rent

[Sean Forner]

I can't get lead safe certified despite having no lead dust or chipping paint on the interior. The problem is my house has wooden siding and the paint is peeling on it. MDE says that there can't be any peeling/chipping paint, so do I spend the $4000 and have the exterior painted?

[Scott Hollister]

@Sean Forner what are your choices? 

• Paint the outside for $4k
• Replace wood siding with aluminum or vinyl? 
• Sell the house

I would run the numbers on vinyl siding, it might be more to replace it but the upfront costs will pay dividends in the future. (If you keep it long enough to reap the benefits)

• Now you have less maintenance and longer life
• Also, you don't have to worry about getting lead paint certified.