How to Obtain Lead-Free Certification
Good News!
Landords with multiple apartments in a building can now receive "Lead Free" Certificates on individual apartments.
"Lead-Safe" vs. "Lead-Free" What's the difference?
"Lead Safe" Certification
Valid For 4 Years
“Lead Safe” means that a licensed lead inspector-risk assessor has determined the property is free of deteriorated, flaking, and chipping paint. Interior dust samples are collected and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. If the results pass, then the “Lead Safe” Certificate is issued. If the results come back failed, the failing sampled area will need to be cleaned and re-tested. When all samples pass, the “Lead Safe” Certificate will then be issued.
"Lead Free" Certification
Valid for Lifetime!
A property is considered "Lead Free" where the property has been certified by a licensed lead risk assessor (LRA) as “Lead Free”. This requires a Lead Paint Inspection using an XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) Analyzer.
The cost for "Lead Free" status is more affordable than you think, and not much more than the "Lead Safe" inspection fee. Email Us today to learn more.
How to Obtain Certification
Process for Philadelphia Landlord Certification
- The inspector will take approximately 20 random shots throughout the home to see if he or she finds lead paint right away. This service is provided at no charge to the client.
- If the inspector is confident that the home is lead-free, then he or she will proceed with a comprehensive Lead Paint Inspection in order to achieve "Lead Free" status.
- If the home contains only a small amount of lead, then the inspector would notify the client to recommend removing or remediating lead components to achieve the “Lead Free" Certificate.
- If the home contains a large amount of lead, then the inspector would proceed to take required dust samples in their effort to achieve a “Lead Safe" Certificate.
The ETS Advantage
Do not assume that just because a home is old, then there is lead-based paint. Older homes have likely been through renovations and updates, thus removing or remediating once leaded components (doors, windows, trim, etc.) from the home.
Environmental Testing Services (ETS) works diligently to offer each client "Lead Free" status on every home we inspect, rather than just taking dust samples and issuing the "Lead Safe" certificates. However, it is common for many inspectors to offer "Lead Safe" certifications, because a "Lead Free" status requires specialized equipment and added expertise.
The good news is that the cost for "Lead Free" status Iis affordable, so it is important to measure the true value of your commercial property or residential home investment before you settle for less.