Renters

To be eligible for this lead abatement program, you must be a property owner of a home built before 1978 where pregnant persons and/or children under 6 years old are living or regularly visiting.

Yes, any pre-1978 home where a child under 6 or a pregnant person visits on a regular basis would be eligible. Some examples of someone who might qualify includes parents with shared custody of a child, family members, or child caregivers.

No, tenants cannot apply for lead abatement. However, they can fill out and submit a referral form as part of the process of identifying eligible buildings. This information will be kept confidential. From there, the Connecticut Children’s Healthy Homes Program will reach out to the property owner.

No, all referrals for lead abatement will remain confidential.

No. This program is completely optional for landlords and homeowners. However, it is Connecticut State Law that if a child in a rented unit tests positive for lead exposure, the landlord must perform abatement on all units in the building where the child lives.

If your landlord applies and the building qualifies for lead abatement, the overall process should take between 4-6 months from the time of application to abatement completion. The actual abatement work usually takes an average of 12-14 days to complete.

Lead exposure occurs through dust or chipping/peeling paint within buildings built before 1978. Abatement work in this program will be focused on the permanent removal of lead hazards. This may involve replacing windows and doors, or placing new drywall. It could also include using encapsulation paint to cover up surfaces that are coated in lead-based paint to reduce the risk of chipping/peeling. Each home or apartment will be evaluated to determine the best way to remove lead hazards.

Relocation is usually necessary to keep residents safe from lead dust. If you have family or friends to stay with during the abatement work, you will receive a stipend up to $500. If you need to be relocated, hotel room fees for temporary living arrangements and a limited living stipend will be provided. A relocation coordinator will work with you (at least 2 weeks before start date) to help prepare for this process. The abatement work usually takes 12-14 days.

No, tenants who are temporarily relocated cannot enter their unit while abatement work is taking place to ensure safety.