EPA RRP Rule Enforcement Is Increasing - Why LeadCheck Matters
EPA RRP Rule Enforcement Is Increasing, and Recent Cases Show Why LeadCheck Testing Matters
One of the most common reasons contractors give for not purchasing LeadCheck is the belief that the EPA rarely checks residential job sites. In reality, enforcement of the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule has been steady, and the penalties have been substantial. Over the past several years, the EPA has issued fines, ordered corrective actions, and halted work when contractors failed to follow required lead-safe procedures. In each of the cases below, these problems could have been avoided by starting the job with a quick LeadCheck test.
LeadCheck swabs are easy to use, take less than a minute, and provide instant EPA-recognized results. There is no additional equipment required and no waiting for lab work. Testing at the start of each job gives contractors a solid record of compliance and reduces the risk of costly enforcement.
The following examples highlight how real EPA enforcement is and why testing matters.
New York contractor penalized for multiple RRP violations
A renovation contractor in New York faced enforcement after inspectors discovered work taking place without certified renovators. Containment was incomplete, dust was spreading into living areas, required lead hazard information was not given to occupants, and recordkeeping was inconsistent.
The contractor ultimately agreed to pay $168,000 in penalties and had to implement additional corrective measures. A simple LeadCheck test at the start of each project could have prevented most of these violations.
Chicago area contractor ordered to pay penalties and perform additional lead abatement
In another significant case, a contractor operating in the Chicago area was cited for widespread failure to comply with the RRP rule. Investigators found uncertified subcontractors, poor use of lead-safe work practices, inadequate dust control, and missing paperwork across several project sites.
The settlement included a $400,000 civil penalty along with up to $2 million in required lead-based paint abatement work in affected communities. This case stands out because many of the issues stemmed from starting work without confirming whether lead-based paint was present. A quick test could have changed the outcome entirely.
National contractor fined for subcontractor lead safety failures
A national home improvement company was also fined after EPA inspectors found that subcontractors were performing RRP work without proper certification. Required lead-safe procedures were not consistently followed, and pre-renovation testing documentation was missing or incomplete.
The company paid $400,000 and was required to establish a company-wide lead safety compliance program. Even large firms face significant consequences when they fail to verify lead conditions before starting work.
Why LeadCheck remains one of the most valuable tools for RRP compliance
These enforcement actions make one thing clear: the EPA is paying close attention to lead safety, and contractors who skip testing are putting themselves at unnecessary risk. LeadCheck provides fast, reliable confirmation of whether lead-based paint is present and gives contractors the documentation they need to show compliance.
A LeadCheck swab costs only a few dollars and delivers results in under a minute. Compared to fines of $168,000, $400,000, or even multi-million-dollar settlements, testing is one of the most cost-effective steps a contractor can take.