Families with Children and Lead Paint

Families with Children and Lead Paint

It is illegal to refuse to rent to families with minor children for any reason. Frequently landlords refuse to rent to families with children under the age of 6, due to the presence of lead paint in the unit. Landlords believe it will cost too much to remove the lead hazard in their units and therefore discriminate against families with young children. This refusal to rent violates the Massachusetts Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control law and federal and state fair housing laws.

There are some financial resources available to landlords who comply with the law and abate the lead hazards in their units, including a $1500 Massachusetts Lead Paint Removal Tax Credit. For more information contact the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.