Resources for Homeowners & Renters

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LeadSafe Charlotte Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control

Lead is a toxic metal. Lead paint, the primary source of lead poisoning, creates invisible lead dust and paint chips, which can cause permanent damage to the developing central nervous system if ingested or inhaled. Children can get lead poisoning in many ways, including chewing on windowsills, floors, toys or contaminated soil, or putting their hands in their mouths after touching a contaminated area. Pets that play in contaminated soil can also harm your children.

When funding is available, LeadSafe Charlotte provides grants to assist low-income homeowners with addressing unsafe lead paint conditions that pose a potential health hazard to young children. The program is designed to assist owners of single and multi-family dwellings and investor owners of properties with two or more bedrooms. Some of the services we offer for those who qualify:

  • Free lead inspections at your home
  • Free blood testing of children (finger stick)
  • Free remediation of lead hazards at your home or rental property

Since the program's inception in 1998, the City of Charlotte has received over $17 million to reduce lead hazards in over 2,000 homes. 

Here is a list of homes made safe through LeadSafe Charlotte during the past five years.​

Check out this great video on the dangers of lead poisoning.


 

LeadSafe Charlotte Outreach Program

LeadSafe Charlotte is leading the way in protecting children from the dangers of lead by educating families and providing information on the hazards of lead exposure.  Please call us if you are a homeowner, landlord or contractor interested in receiving more information about the dangers of lead-based paint and how to protect your family or the families you serve. 

​If your home was built before 1978, you should have your home tested. ​

​All children should be tested for lead poisoning at the discretion of their physician. Contact the LeadSafe Charlotte Hotline at 704-336-2114 to see if you qualify for free testing and free blood testing for children enrolled in our program.  ​

​Applicants eligible for assistance under the LeadSafe Charlotte must:

  • Own in a dwelling that was built before 1978
  • Have a household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for the household size (occupant income is evaluated to determine eligibility for rental properties)
  • Have a child under the age of six residing or visiting in the home more than six hours a week (owner occupied units) or are currently pregnant
  • Rental units are not required to have children under six present, however, upon unit turnover, the property owner must commit to making the unit available to families with children under six​

​Repairs include but are not limited to:

  • Removing and replacing windows and doors that have been identified with lead-based paint hazards
  • Painting or siding the exterior of a home that has been identified with lead-based paint hazards
  • Repairing interior doors to ensure smooth operation to reduce the occurrence of lead contaminated paint dust

​Income Limits

Household income which does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for the household size may qualify.   ​

​Homeowners who wish to apply for assistance must contact the LeadSafe Charlotte Hotline at 704-336-2114 for pre-qualification.​

After verification of the information provided and the determination of eligibility, an inspection of the property will be made by a rehabilitation specialist to determine the current condition of the property, and preliminary feasibility for inclusion in the Safe Home and/or LeadSafe Charlotte programs. 

Homeowners are encouraged to assist the rehabilitation specialist by providing information on problems that you know exist and need repair.  After the inspection, if rehabilitation is deemed feasible, a meeting will be set up to discuss the details of the programs and responsibilities of the City, homeowner, and contractors.  Families who qualify for LeadSafe Charlotte also qualify for the City's Safe Home Program (when funding is available).

Preference will be given in situations that threaten the health and safety of the occupants.  Homes are prioritized as follows:

  1. Homes of children with elevated blood lead levels of greater than or equal to 5 ug/l
  2. Privately owned, single-family residents (owner occupants)
  3. Other agency referrals

Investor owners of multi-unit complexes and single unit housing who are also willing to bring all units in compliance with the housing codes using their own resources .


 

  For more information, contact The LeadSafe Charlotte Hotline at 704-336-2114.