De-leading vs. encapsulating

[Andrew Votsis]

Recently purchased 3 family in Massachusetts. Old building obv not de-leading. This being buy and hold I wanted to get some perspective on what fellow investors have found works best. The building itself needs vinyl on the outside so I know that will alleviate the outside as far as getting rid of the lead paint. What’s my most cost effective move for the inside? Any help is appreciated, Thank you!

[Charlie MacPherson]

@Andrew Votsis This is the starting point for understanding lead paint laws in Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/service-d..

I'm sure @Anthony Dooley means well, but he's offering some really bad advice.  I'd guess things are different from state to state, but Massachusetts has a lead paint law with teeth.  If you are found to have caused brain damage to a child due to lead paint exposire, the state will come after you hard and fast.  There will be a smoking crater where your bank account used to be.

Simply painting over lead paint isn't sufficient.  There are specific encapsulants and methods that are required, most often done by a licensed deleader. 

The state of Massachusetts divides self-help remediation into low and moderate risk categories.

Low risk requires a self-administered training course and at-home self exam before proceeding.  This amount of work covered by this category is VERY limited in scope.  The details can be found in the link above.

Moderate risk remediation is limited to  2 sq ft per room and 20 sq ft of exterior surface, but you have to take a day-long, state-approved course and pass a written exam before you're allowed to do the work yourself.

For all other remediation, you need to hire a state licensed lead risk assessor for testing and a licensed deleader for the work.

You can also search for lead-safe properties in Massachusetts here: https://eohhs.ehs.state.ma.us/...

I hope that's helpful.