National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 19–25, 2025) serves as a reminder that protecting families from lead hazards is a responsibility we all share—especially for owners and managers of historic rental properties built before 1978. By addressing lead hazards, landlords can protect their tenants’ health, safeguard the long-term value of their investments, and preserve the historic character of their properties.
At Michigan Saves, we know that caring for your property also means caring for your tenants. For historic homes, this means using preservation-minded abatement to protect the home’s character while eliminating hazards that put families at risk. Lead exposure is a serious health concern, particularly for children and during pregnancy. However, affordable financing and support are available to help property owners and managers protect their tenants without bearing the cost alone.
Why lead safety matters
Historic properties often contain layers of lead-based paint on features such as windows, doors, and trim, where friction and repairs can create hazardous lead dust. Even at low levels, lead exposure can cause lasting harm, including developmental delays and learning difficulties in children, as well as serious risks during pregnancy.
Families depend on landlords to provide safe and healthy housing, so it is important for rental property owners and managers to understand and follow state and federal laws regarding rental properties built before 1978. These laws help ensure that you are protecting your tenant’s well-being, maintaining the long-term value of your property, and preserving your property’s historic character.
Steps landlords can take
If your rental property was built before 1978, you can make it lead safe by:
- Hiring a certified lead risk assessor: Certified risk assessors can conduct a lead inspection risk assessment (LIRA), which identifies hazards and provides a plan for the safest way to remediate.
- Reviewing the LIRA: The report will outline whether interim controls (such as repairs or paint stabilization) or full lead abatement is needed. This becomes the plan your contractor will follow.
- Hiring a certified lead abatement contractor: Only state-certified firms are authorized to perform lead abatement. Contractors use the remediation plan to complete the job safely and with preservation-minded abatement practices that protect historic details. Once the work is complete, a state-certified lead inspector or risk assessor will conduct clearance testing to confirm the property is lead safe.
Support to make it possible
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this alone. There are several pathways to help property owners and managers address lead hazards:
- The Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund (Lead Fund) offers affordable financing for landlords and property owners, including a free lead inspection and risk assessment, as well as a 50/50 cost-sharing incentive to support the total project costs, giving you peace of mind while protecting your tenants and your property investment.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Lead Safe Home Program may provide free lead assessments and abatement services in some cases, depending on household eligibility.
Partner with Michigan Saves
By addressing lead hazards in your rental property, you ensure that families have a safe place to call home. Michigan Saves, in partnership with MDHHS, is here to help you every step of the way. Visit the Lead Fund page to learn more about the program and how it can help you protect your tenants and your property.
