Short answer
Who the rule covers
In general, anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing built before 1978 must be certified, including sole proprietors, and a firm cannot advertise or perform covered work without firm certification (EPA). Ask for the firm's EPA certification before you sign.
The Renovate Right pamphlet
No more than 60 days before starting work in a pre-1978 home, the firm must give the owner the EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet and get a written acknowledgment that you received it (40 CFR 745.84). If the house is rented, an adult occupant gets one too.
The minor repair exemption
Minor repair and maintenance that disturbs 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside, is exempt. Window replacement and the demolition of painted surfaces are always covered, whatever the size (EPA).
How common older houses are here
Many South Jersey towns were largely built before 1978. Census data shows the median year built in several towns we work in:
| Town | Median year built | Homes built before 1980 | Median home value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haddonfield | 1938 | 87% | $755,300 |
| Collingswood | 1941 | 91% | $380,400 |
| Pitman | 1945 | 89% | $279,300 |
| Woodbury | 1948 | 88% | $222,700 |
| Wenonah | 1946 | 87% | $377,800 |
| Glassboro | 1986 | 43% | $314,400 |
| Cherry Hill | 1968 | 73% | $386,300 |
| Washington Township | 1982 | 43% | $337,600 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2020-2024). Unincorporated towns use their Census-designated place.
Renovation is not abatement
The RRP Rule covers renovation work that happens to disturb paint. Work done specifically to remove lead hazards is abatement, a separate discipline, and in New Jersey any lead abatement work falls outside ordinary maintenance, so it needs a permit (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7).
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Contractors (firm certification, minor repair exemption). Checked September 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR 745.84, Information distribution (Renovate Right pamphlet). Checked September 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rules, 40 CFR 745 Subpart E. Checked September 2026.
- U.S. Census Bureau, via Census Reporter, American Community Survey, ACS 2024 5-year (tables B25034, B25035, B25077). Checked September 2026.
- New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7, Ordinary maintenance (work that needs no permit). Checked September 2026.