24 C.F.R. § 35.140
§ 35.140 Prohibited methods of paint removal. (24 CFR Part 35)
Operative Text
The following methods shall not be used to remove paint that is, or may be, lead-based paint: (a) Open flame burning or torching. (b) Machine sanding or grinding without a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) local exhaust control. (c) Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without HEPA local exhaust control. (d) Heat guns operating above 1100 degrees Fahrenheit or charring the paint. (e) Dry sanding or dry scraping, except dry scraping in conjunction with heat guns or within 1.0 ft. (0.30 m.) of electrical outlets, or when treating defective paint spots totaling no more than 2 sq. ft. (0.2 sq. m.) in any one interior room or space, or totaling no more than 20 sq. ft. (2.0 sq. m.) on exterior surfaces. (f) Paint stripping in a poorly ventilated space using a volatile stripper that is a hazardous substance in accordance with regulations of the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 16 CFR 1500.3, and/or a hazardous chemical in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations at 29 CFR 1910.1200 or 1926.59, as applicable to the work.
Under 24 CFR Part 35 § 35.140, federal regulations prohibit several specific techniques for removing paint that is or may be lead-based. Banned methods include open-flame torching, machine sanding or grinding without HEPA exhaust controls, abrasive blasting without HEPA controls, heat guns exceeding 1100°F, and most forms of dry sanding or dry scraping beyond narrow size thresholds. Additionally, using volatile chemical strippers classified as hazardous substances or chemicals in poorly ventilated spaces is also forbidden under this rule.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing renovation, repair, or painting work in HUD-covered housing must ensure that contractors and workers comply with the method prohibitions set out in 24 CFR Part 35 § 35.140. Compliant operators typically verify that any paint removal work on surfaces with potential lead-based paint uses only permitted techniques — such as HEPA-equipped machinery or appropriately ventilated chemical stripping — and that workers are trained to recognize which methods are off-limits. Maintaining documentation of the methods used and the equipment employed is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating compliance during inspections or audits.
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 § 35.140, tenants in covered housing have an interest in knowing that certain hazardous paint-removal methods are federally prohibited when lead-based paint may be present, because improper removal can spread lead dust and create serious health hazards. If a tenant observes or suspects that prohibited methods — such as open-flame torching, uncontrolled sanding, or chemical stripping in an unventilated space — are being used in their home or building, they may have grounds to raise a violation with HUD, a local housing authority, or a relevant code enforcement agency. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available 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 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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