EPA renovation notice timing does not require a 60-day wait under the federal rule. For covered renovations, deliver the required pamphlet before work starts, within the preceding 60 days. Mailing requires evidence of mailing at least seven days before work begins. Federal delivery requirements.

Hand delivery can support a same-day start once the required receipt documentation and other applicable requirements are satisfied. EPA’s immediate-start guidance. Before setting a start date, identify every required recipient and how the firm will document delivery.

Confirm that the work is covered

This checklist addresses federal pre-renovation education requirements as of October 3, 2026. EPA-authorized state or Tribal programs may operate in place of the federal program, and state or local requirements can differ. Confirm the applicable program with your lead agency or the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. EPA’s March 2026 compliance guide.

The Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, or RRP, generally covers compensated work disturbing painted surfaces in most housing built before 1978. Rental owners doing their own covered work are included because compensation includes rent. EPA’s January 2026 questions and answers.

Minor repairs can be excluded when they disturb six square feet or less per room indoors, or 20 square feet or less outdoors. The exception does not apply to window replacement, demolition of painted surfaces, or work using prohibited or restricted practices. For this calculation, count nonemergency jobs in the same room within 30 days together. Removing a painted component counts its entire removed surface area. Federal definitions.

A qualifying determination that affected components contain no lead-based paint can also exempt the work. Ask for the supporting determination or testing records; the absence of a known lead report does not establish an exemption. Applicability exceptions.

Identify who must receive Renovate Right

Use EPA’s Renovate Right pamphlet. EPA’s pamphlet download page, updated June 15, 2026, identifies the September 2011 revision. The contractor compliance guide has a separate March 2026 revision.

In an occupied rental, the landlord’s receipt does not satisfy the occupant-delivery step. EPA’s delivery flowchart distinguishes these scenarios.

These requirements concern renovation work. For the separate disclosure process when selling or leasing, see our lead paint disclosure guide.

Choose delivery dates that fit the work schedule

Hand delivery: give the pamphlet to the required recipient and obtain the acknowledgment before work starts. For a hypothetical October 20 start in an owner-occupied home, delivery and signing that morning can meet this federal education requirement. Other requirements governing the work must also be satisfied. EPA’s immediate-start explanation.

Mailing: mail the pamphlet and obtain a postal certificate of mailing at least seven days before work—October 13 or earlier in that example, while remaining within the 60-day window. EPA says a tenant mailing must identify the adult occupant’s name and address, rather than simply “Tenant/Occupant.” A certificate of mailing proves mailing; certified mail is also acceptable and adds delivery documentation. EPA mailing guidance, questions 23002-32363 and 23002-32364.

If a postponement puts delivery more than 60 days before the actual start, arrange fresh delivery and documentation. Include that check in your home-repair planning.

Check the acknowledgment and any delivery certification

The written acknowledgment must identify the recipient and renovation address, confirm receipt before work starts, and include the recipient’s signature and signature date. It may be a separate sheet or part of the renovation contract.

Write the acknowledgment in the language of the renovation contract. For a rental, it may instead use the language of the lease or pamphlet. Acknowledgment requirements in 40 CFR 745.84(d).

If an adult tenant refuses to sign or is unavailable, the firm can certify delivery after an unsuccessful effort to obtain acknowledgment. Its statement must include the unit address, delivery date and method, deliverers’ names, reason no acknowledgment was obtained, and a firm representative’s signature and signature date. The pamphlet must still be delivered. Federal self-certification provision.

This alternative is unavailable for delivery to the owner. Use the sample receipt on printed page 23 of the March 2026 guide as a starting point. Add any required information for which it lacks a printed field, particularly the firm representative’s signature date for self-certification.

For common areas, notify affected occupants

For a shared hallway or similar common area, deliver the owner’s pamphlet within the same federal window. Notify occupants of affected units using one of two methods:

• Written notices to each affected unit: describe the work and locations, expected start and end dates, and how occupants can obtain the pamphlet and required compliance records free.
• Posted informational signs: have signs in place when work starts and keep them visible to occupants of all affected units throughout the renovation. Include the work, locations and anticipated completion date. Post the pamphlet or explain how to obtain a free copy, and explain how to obtain required compliance records free.

These alternatives appear in EPA’s common-area notification requirements. If you mail unit notices, EPA calls for seven-day advance mailing and a certificate of mailing. EPA’s January 2026 FAQ collection, question 23002-32359, printed page 48.

The firm must sign and date a statement documenting notification. Documentation requirement.

If individually distributed notices become inaccurate because the scope, location or dates change, provide revised written notice to owners and occupants before starting work beyond the original notice. Supplemental-notice requirement.

Limit the emergency exception to qualifying work

A qualifying emergency renovation is exempt from pre-renovation information delivery. It involves an unplanned response to a sudden event that, without immediate attention, threatens safety, public health, or significant equipment or property damage. Interim controls responding to a resident child’s elevated blood-lead level also qualify.

An ordinary scheduling rush does not meet that definition. Emergency work still carries cleaning, cleaning-verification and applicable recordkeeping duties. Federal emergency exception.

Complete the notice file before work begins

Ask the firm to show that the recipient list, delivery dates and evidence match the scheduled work. Keep copies of receipts, mailing certificates, tenant-delivery certifications and common-area notices together. Firms must retain required records for three years after completion; longer applicable retention duties still control. Recordkeeping rule.

Residents can find related information in our renting guides, and managers can follow broader housing regulatory requirements. Assign someone to recheck the notice file whenever the start date or scope changes.