24 C.F.R. § 35.1345
§ 35.1345 Occupant protection and worksite preparation. (24 CFR Part 35)
Operative Text
This section establishes procedures for protecting dwelling unit occupants and the environment from contamination from lead-contaminated or lead-containing materials during hazard reduction activities. (a) Occupant protection. (1) Occupants shall not be permitted to enter the worksite during hazard reduction activities (unless they are employed in the conduct of these activities at the worksite), until after hazard reduction work has been completed and clearance, if required, has been achieved. (2) Occupants shall be temporarily relocated before and during hazard reduction activities to a suitable, decent, safe, and similarly accessible dwelling unit that does not have lead-based paint hazards, except if: (i) Treatment will not disturb lead-based paint, dust-lead hazards or soil-lead hazards; (ii) Only the exterior of the dwelling unit is treated, and windows, doors, ventilation intakes and other openings in or near the worksite are sealed during hazard control work and cleaned afterward, and entry free of dust-lead hazards, soil-lead hazards, and debris is provided; (iii) Treatment of the interior will be completed within one period of 8-daytime hours, the worksite is contained so as to prevent the release of leaded dust and debris into other areas, and treatment does not create other safety, health or environmental hazards (e.g., exposed live electrical wiring, release of toxic fumes, or on-site disposal of hazardous waste); or (iv) Treatment of the interior will be completed within 5 calendar days, the worksite is contained so as to prevent the release of leaded dust and debris into other areas, treatment does not create other safety, health or environmental hazards; and, at the end of work on each day, the worksite and the area within at least 10 feet (3 meters) of the containment area is cleaned to remove any visible dust or debris, and occupants have safe access to sleeping areas, and bathroom and kitchen facilities. (3) The dwelling unit and the worksite shall be secured against unauthorized entry, and occupants' belongings protected from contamination by dust-lead hazards and debris during hazard reduction activities. Occupants' belongings in the containment area shall be relocated to a safe and secure area outside the containment area, or covered with an impermeable covering with all seams and edges taped or otherwise sealed. (b) Worksite preparation. (1) The worksite shall be prepared to prevent the release of leaded dust, and contain lead-based paint chips and other debris from hazard reduction activities within the worksite until they can be safely removed. Practices that minimize the spread of leaded dust, paint chips, soil and debris shall be used during worksite preparation. (2) A warning sign shall be posted at each entry to a room where hazard reduction activities are conducted when occupants are present; or at each main and secondary entryway to a building from which occupants have been relocated; or, for an exterior hazard reduction activity, where it is easily read 20 feet (6 meters) from the edge of the hazard reduction activity worksite. Each warning sign shall be as described in 29 CFR 1926.62(m), except that it shall be posted irrespective of employees' lead exposure and, to the extent practicable, provided in the occupants' primary language.
Under 24 CFR Part 35 § 35.1345, when lead hazard reduction work is performed in a dwelling, specific steps must be taken to shield occupants and the surrounding environment from lead contamination. Occupants generally cannot remain in or re-enter the work area until the work is finished and, where required, clearance testing has been passed. Temporary relocation to a lead-safe unit is the default requirement, though the rule carves out limited exceptions based on the scope, duration, and containment of the work. Worksites must also be physically prepared to contain dust and debris, and warning signs meeting federal specifications must be posted at key entry points in a language occupants can read where practicable.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators conducting lead hazard reduction activities covered by 24 CFR Part 35 § 35.1345 generally arrange for temporary relocation of occupants to a suitable, lead-safe dwelling before work begins, unless the activity qualifies for one of the rule's narrow exceptions tied to containment, duration, and the type of surfaces disturbed. Compliant operators secure the worksite against unauthorized entry, move or seal occupants' belongings within the containment area using impermeable coverings, and post warning signs at all required entry points in the occupants' primary language to the extent practicable. Worksite preparation practices that minimize the spread of leaded dust, chips, and soil are used throughout, and the area is cleaned of visible dust and debris at the close of each workday when occupants remain on-site under an applicable exception.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 24 CFR Part 35 § 35.1345, tenants have a right to be protected from lead contamination during hazard reduction work, which typically means being relocated to a decent, safe, and similarly accessible unit that is free of lead-based paint hazards before and during the work. If relocation is not arranged and none of the rule's specific exceptions apply, or if belongings are not properly protected and warning signs are not posted, these may constitute violations of the regulation. Tenants who believe their housing is subject to federal lead regulations and that these protections were not followed can document conditions, contact a local HUD office or relevant housing authority, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for information about available complaint and enforcement paths.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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