What is the RRP (Renovation Repair and Painting) Rule?

The new Renovation Repair and Painting Rule, known as RRP, is a rule intended to regulate all renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb paint in homes constructed before 1978 and in child occupied facilities such as day care centers, schools, etc.  This rule primarily impacts remodeling and home improvement contractors and rental property owners. 

The RRP rule, which went into effect on April 22, 2010, consists of the following 4 basic parts:

-          Educating the property owner (Pre-renovation education requirements)
-          Obtaining Training and Certification (for Contractor firm and Renovator)
-          Following Work Standards
-          Complying with Enforcement

Pre-Renovation Education

Contractors are now required to provide “Renovate Right” brochure to the property owner.  Contractors can no longer use the old brochure “Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home” that was often used to comply with the 406(b) requirement.  Brochures can be downloaded at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf.  

Training and Certification

There are two training and certification requirements with this rule:

1)  At least one individual from the firm must become a “Certified Renovator”.  A minimum of 8 hours of training from an EPA authorized trainer is required to become a Certified Renovator.

2)  Contractors must apply for certification of their firm.  Certification is required of every firm doing work in pre-1978 housing and/or child occupied facilities.

This rule also applies to electricians, plumbers, painters, heating contractors, etc who are working in pre-1978 homes.  IN ADDITION, RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS MUST BE CERTIFIED TO WORK ON THEIR RENTAL PROPERTY.

Go to the Michigan Department of Community Health website for information on trainings in Michigan.

From time to time, CLEARCorps/Detroit hosts low-cost RRP training. If you are interested in this training, please contact our office at 924-4000 or rw@clearcorpsdetroit.org

Work Standards

In order to avoid creating lead hazards while performing renovation activities, EPA has developed work practice standards that regulate project set-up, renovation work and project clean-up and clearance.  The Certified Renovator is responsible for complying with each of these phases.  Work practice standards include defining the work area, using lead safe work methods, preventing the spread and migration of construction dust, and post renovation clearance. 

Enforcement

The EPA will enforce this rule.  Penalty provisions under the rule are substantial.  The State of Michigan Health Department, Lead and Healthy Homes Section is currently in the process of amending the Lead Abatement Act to also encompass the Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  If approved by the legislature and the EPA, the State will administer this rule in its entirety including certification of trainers, certification of firms/renovators and enforcement. 

RRP Resources

General Information

EPA RRP information

Michigan Department of Community Health

Finding a training provider

Michigan Department of Community Health:

EPA search engine

Becoming a Certified Firm

EPA information on the certification logo and how to be a certified firm