Buying an Older Home in Massachusetts: What the Lead Paint Law Means for You
Most North Shore homes were built before 1978. What the Massachusetts lead law requires of sellers, buyers and landlords, why it matters most if a child under six will live there, and how to plan for deleading.
If a home was built before 1978, it may have lead paint, and on the North Shore most homes were. Massachusetts has one of the strictest lead laws in the country. Sellers must give buyers specific lead disclosures, buyers have the right to a lead inspection, and owners must delead if a child under six lives in the home, including in rental units. This matters most for families with young children and for anyone buying a multifamily to rent out.
What must a seller give a buyer?
For pre-1978 homes, the seller and agents must provide the Massachusetts Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification, the federal disclosure, and any lead inspection reports or letters of compliance the seller has. The buyer signs a certification that they received them.
Does a buyer have to do a lead inspection?
No, but buyers have the right to one, usually within the inspection period. If a child under six will live in the home, it's strongly worth considering, because the obligation to delead will be yours as the owner.
What does "deleading" mean?
Correcting lead hazards so the home meets the state standard, then getting a Letter of Compliance (or interim control) from a licensed inspector. It often focuses on windows, doors, trim, porches and other friction or chewable surfaces. Costs vary widely with the size and condition of the home.
Why does it matter so much for multifamily buyers?
Massachusetts landlords can't refuse to rent to families with young children because of lead paint. If a child under six lives in a unit, the owner must delead it. When buying a two- or three-family, ask for existing Letters of Compliance for each unit. A unit with a valid letter is worth more to a landlord.
Is there financial help?
Yes. Massachusetts offers tax credits for deleading, and programs like MassHousing's Get the Lead Out offer low-cost financing for qualifying owners. Check current terms on the official program sites.
Questions people actually ask.
Can I buy a home with lead paint?
Yes. Most older homes have some. What matters is whether there are hazards and whether a child under six will live there.
Is a Letter of Compliance permanent?
It stays valid as long as the home is maintained and no new hazards develop. Keep a copy with your records.
Does lead paint affect the price?
It can, especially for multifamily. Units with Letters of Compliance are easier to rent and finance.
This article is general information about Massachusetts real estate, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Every property and transaction is different. For advice on your situation, talk with me and, where appropriate, an attorney, lender, or tax professional.