Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2550
LEAD HAZARD SCREEN.
Operative Text
Subpart 1. General requirements. A. A person must allow the commissioner to have access to a work site, according to Minnesota Statutes, section 144.99, subdivision 2, while the person performs a lead hazard screen. B. An individual conducting a lead hazard screen must be a lead risk assessor licensed under part 4761.2300 and must use the methods described in this part. C. If a lead hazard screen identifies lead dust levels that exceed 20 micrograms per square foot for floors or 125 micrograms per square foot for window sills, the lead risk assessor must inform the property owner that a lead risk assessment is recommended by the commissioner of health. D. Sodium rhodizonate and sodium sulfide must not be used to inspect paint for the presence of lead. Subp. 2. Methodologies. A. A lead hazard screen must be performed according to one of the documented methodologies that corresponds to the type of sampling and analysis that will be used to determine lead concentration. B. To the extent that the documented methodologies contain numerical standards for the lead content of paint, dust, or drinking water that differ from the standards in part 4761.2510, the more stringent standard applies. C. X-ray fluorescence analyzers, laboratory sample analyses, or a combination of both, may be used for on-site measurements of lead. Subp. 3. Lead hazard screen requirements. A lead hazard screen for an affected property must: A. include background information regarding the physical characteristics of the affected property; B. include background information regarding the occupant use patterns that may cause lead-based paint exposure to one or more children; C. visually identify the location of any deteriorated paint; D. test each surface with deteriorated paint that has a distinct painting history for the presence of lead. A surface with deteriorated paint must be determined using HUD's Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing, chapter 5 (1995). The guidelines are incorporated by reference under part 4761.2000, subpart 15, item H. Surfaces do not need to be tested if the lead risk assessor determines the building component was replaced after 1978 or does not contain lead-based paint. In lieu of testing under this item, the deteriorated paint may be assumed to be lead-based paint; E. determine at least two dust sampling locations or assume the floor and window sill surfaces have lead-contaminated dust on them. If conducting dust sampling: (1) in a residence, at least two composite dust samples must be collected and analyzed. One sample must be from floors and the other from window sills. The floors and window sills tested must be in rooms, hallways, or stairwells where one or more children are most likely to come into contact with dust; or (2) in a multifamily residence, school, or child-occupied facility, at least two composite samples from common areas must be collected and analyzed in addition to the samples required under subitem (1). One sample must be from floors and the other from window sills. These composite samples shall be collected from surfaces where one or more children are most likely to come into contact with dust; and F. visually identify the presence and location of bare soil if the ground is not covered by snow at the time of the lead hazard screen. Subp. 4. Reports. Within 30 days of completing a lead hazard screen, the lead risk assessor must write a report containing the information described in part 4761.2680, subpart 1.
Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2550 establishes the rules governing how a lead hazard screen must be conducted on affected properties in Minnesota. Only a licensed lead risk assessor may perform this type of inspection, and they must follow specific documented methodologies — which may include X-ray fluorescence analyzers, laboratory analysis, or both. The screen covers a defined checklist of tasks: gathering background information about the property and occupant patterns, visually identifying deteriorated paint, collecting dust samples from floors and window sills in areas where children are likely to be present, and noting any bare soil. If dust lead levels exceed 20 micrograms per square foot on floors or 125 micrograms per square foot on window sills, the assessor is required to inform the property owner that a full lead risk assessment is recommended by the commissioner of health.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2550, property owners are required to allow the commissioner access to the work site while a lead hazard screen is being performed, consistent with Minn. Stat. § 144.99, subd. 2. Operators of affected properties — including multifamily residences, schools, and child-occupied facilities — should be aware that the screen involves both visual inspection and dust sampling in areas frequented by children, and that a written report must be delivered within 30 days of the screen's completion. If the screen results exceed the dust-lead thresholds specified in this section, the licensed assessor will notify the property owner that a full lead risk assessment is recommended, which may inform decisions about next steps for the property.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. R. 4761 § 4761.2550 sets out the minimum standards that a lead hazard screen must meet, including requirements that the assessor be licensed, use approved methods, and document findings about deteriorated paint, dust lead levels, and bare soil. Tenants — particularly those with children — may have an interest in knowing whether a lead hazard screen has been conducted on their unit or common areas, and whether the resulting report identified dust lead levels above the thresholds that trigger a recommendation for a full risk assessment. Tenants who have concerns about lead conditions in their housing may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, reaching out to the Minnesota Department of Health, or reviewing any reports that the licensed lead risk assessor is required to produce under this provision.
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 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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