EPA RRPAPR 21, 2026

Lead-Safe Renovator: firm cert vs. individual cert

EPA RRP rules require BOTH the firm and at least one individual to be certified. Why most violations are paperwork, not painting.

Contractor Renewal Desk5 MIN READ

Federal Lead-Safe Renovator (RRP) rules apply any time a renovation disturbs more than 6 sq. ft. of interior surface or 20 sq. ft. of exterior surface in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities. The rule is well-known. The compliance trap is less so.

Two certifications, not one

The EPA requires BOTH a certified firm AND at least one certified individual renovator on every covered job. Most contractors know about one and assume it satisfies the other. It does not. EPA enforcement records show a meaningful share of $37,500-per-day penalties get assessed because the firm cert was active but the individual cert had lapsed, or vice versa.

How to verify

Firm certification: search the EPA Federal Lookup tool by firm name and ZIP.

Individual certification: the renovator's training certificate (8-hour initial, 4-hour refresher every 5 years). The EPA does not maintain a public lookup of individuals — keep paper records.