A certification that a property is lead safe means that a certified lead dust sampling technician or a licensed lead inspector-risk assessor has: 1) determined the property is free of deteriorated, flaking, chipping, peeling, chalking or not-intact paint, and 2) interior dust samples were collected, tested, and found not to contain hazardous levels of lead-contaminated dust.

1. Visual Inspection: Our certified lead dust sampling technician visually checks the paint inside your property  to determine if the property if free of paint that is deteriorated, flaking, chipping, peeling, chalking or paint that is not intact.
2. Dust Sampling: Collection of interior dust samples by “swabbing” the floor and windowsill/trough of each bedroom & one common area (e.g., kitchen or living room). Lead dust wipe samples are taken from windowsills/troughs and floors at the discretion of the technician.
3. Laboratory Analysis: Samples are sent individually to an EPA approved lab. Sending samples individually lets you know exactly which room failed so you do not have to retest the entire unit/property. Typical turnaround time for lab results is 3 days.
4. Issue Certification/Reports: Upon successful passing of steps 1 through 3, you will receive your Lead Safe Certificate, Laboratory Report, and step-by-step Filing Instructions for the Public Health Department.

BEFORE OUR TECHNICIAN ARRIVES AT YOUR PROPERTY

Visually inspect EVERY ROOM for, and REPAIR any, paint that is deteriorated, flaking, chipping, peeling, chalking or paint that is not intact. This includes laundry areas, basements, attics, and any other areas that are directly accessible from within the dwelling unit.

All painted areas within the dwelling unit MUST BE INTACT. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Baseboards
• Door and door frames
• Painted cabinets
• Radiators
• Window jambs/frames
• Windowsills
• Enclosed porches

ON THE DAY OF INSPECTION

• Remove all items from the windowsills.
• Clean surfaces of windowsills and bare floors with an all-purpose cleaner (such as Simply Green, Spic N’ Span, or 409) and rinse with clean water.
• When cleaning, wipe in one direction only. Do not wipe back and forth.
• Use a new mop head to clean bare floors. Use clean water for each room.
• Vacuum carpets in one direction and then vacuum again in a cross direction.
• Please remember that the entire area of the dwelling unit will be visually inspected.
• Please ensure access to any locked-off areas (such as basements and attics) that are directly accessible from within the dwelling, even though these areas will not be wipe tested.

Please complete any necessary paint repair and the recommended cleaning at least one hour prior to your visit.

For the safety of our technicians, all animals be caged or temporarily removed from the dwelling unit during the inspection.

One hour, give or take 30 minutes.

No, if the unit is vacant. If the unit is occupied, we will arrange to meet you and/or your tenant(s) at a mutually convenient time.

Turnaround time is generally 5-7 business days; however expedited services are available upon request.

The certificate lasts 48 months.

Contact us at 215-598-2440 and someone from our qualified team will assist you.

Philadelphia’s Lead Certification Law

Rental Property Lead Certification Law (FAQs)

A Landlord’s Guide to the Philadelphia Lead Disclosure and Certification Law

Lead and Healthy Homes Resources for Landlords

EPA information about lead