Iowa Admin. Code r. 641—68 § 641—68.4
Lead hazard reduction required.
Operative Text
68.4(1) When the certified inspector appointed by the local board determines that hazardous lead- based paint, a dust-lead hazard, or a soil-lead hazard is present in a residential dwelling unit or child- occupied facility where an EBL child lives, frequently visits, or has recently resided, the inspector shall issue a written notice to the owner within two weeks of the inspection and receipt of any laboratory results. The written notice shall require the owner to complete lead hazard reduction in a time period determined by the inspector. If the occupant who occupies the residential dwelling at the time that this written notice is issued vacates the residential dwelling, the residential dwelling shall not be leased or occupied by any other person until the inspector issues a written notice that the lead hazard reduction has been completed. 68.4(2) The owner of any residential dwelling or child-occupied facility that has been determined to contain hazardous lead-based paint, a soil-lead hazard, or a dust-lead hazard shall correct these hazards within the time period allowed by the inspector in the written notice. The following methods shall be used for lead hazard reduction. These methods do not require the services of a lead abatement contractor certified in accordance with rule 641--70.5(135). However, other local, state, or federal regulations may require the use of a contractor who has completed an eight-hour lead-safe work practices course or a lead abatement contractor or lead abatement worker certified in accordance with rule 641--70.5(135). a. On a surface that contains hazardous lead-based paint but is not chewable and does not have evidence of impact or friction, the lead-based paint hazard shall be reduced by removing all loose and deteriorated paint from the surface, preparing the surface for repainting, and repainting the surface with a lead-free coating. b. On a surface that contains hazardous lead-based paint and is chewable or has evidence of impact or friction, the lead-based paint hazard shall be reduced by treating the surface 1 inch back from the edge or corner through one of the following methods: (1) All lead-based paint on the treatment area shall be removed to the bare substrate. The surface shall be prepared for repainting and repainted with a lead-free coating. (2) The treatment area shall be covered with a permanently affixed lead-free material such as plastic, wood, or vinyl. Carpet may be used on floors and stair treads. c. Dust-lead hazards shall be reduced by thoroughly cleaning the affected surface. d. Soil-lead hazards shall be reduced by planting grass or groundcover, applying sod, or covering the affected area with 6 inches of bark, gravel, or other material. e. Lead hazard reduction shall be conducted using lead-safe work practices to protect the safety of the occupants and workers. Occupants shall not enter the work area while work is underway. The following are prohibited methods of lead hazard reduction: (1) Open-flame burning or torching of lead-based paint. (2) Machine sanding or grinding or abrasive blasting or sandblasting of lead-based paint unless used with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust control that removes particles of 0.3 microns or larger from the air at 99.97 percent or greater efficiency. (3) Uncontained water blasting of lead-based paint. (4) Dry scraping or dry sanding of lead-based paint except in conjunction with the use of a heat gun or around electrical outlets. (5) Operating a heat gun at a temperature above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. 68.4(3) The inspector shall inspect all areas identified as hazards after lead hazard reduction is complete. The inspector may conduct clearance testing pursuant to 641--Chapter 70 to ensure that no dust- lead hazards exist after the work is complete. Within two weeks of verifying that all lead hazard reduction has been completed as required, the inspector shall issue a written notice to the owner and occupant stating that the lead hazard reduction has been completed and that the repaired surfaces must be maintained in good condition.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 641—68 § 641—68.4 establishes a process for addressing lead hazards in residential dwellings and child-occupied facilities where a child with an elevated blood lead level lives, frequently visits, or has recently resided. When a certified inspector finds hazardous lead-based paint, dust-lead, or soil-lead hazards, the property owner is required to complete lead hazard reduction within a timeframe set by the inspector, using specific approved methods such as repainting, encapsulation, cleaning, or soil covering. A dwelling found to have such hazards cannot be re-leased or re-occupied after a tenant vacates until the inspector issues written confirmation that the required work has been completed and repaired surfaces must be maintained in good condition thereafter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Admin. Code r. 641—68 § 641—68.4, property owners who receive a written notice from a certified inspector identifying lead hazards are required to complete lead hazard reduction within the inspector's specified timeframe using the approved methods outlined in the rule, such as removing deteriorated paint, encapsulating surfaces, cleaning dust-lead hazards, or covering soil-lead hazards. Compliant operators generally ensure that lead-safe work practices are followed throughout the process, that occupants do not enter work areas while work is underway, and that prohibited methods—such as open-flame burning or uncontrolled dry sanding—are strictly avoided. After work is complete, the inspector must verify completion and issue written clearance before any vacated unit is re-leased, and owners are expected to maintain repaired surfaces in good condition going forward.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 641—68 § 641—68.4 provides important protections for tenants, particularly families with children who have elevated blood lead levels: if a certified inspector identifies lead hazards in a dwelling, the owner is legally required to complete hazard reduction within a set timeframe, and the unit cannot be re-rented to anyone else until the inspector issues written clearance. Tenants have a right to receive a copy of the inspector's written notice confirming that lead hazard reduction has been completed and that repaired surfaces must be maintained in good condition. Those who believe their rights under this provision are not being honored may consider contacting their local board, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, or a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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