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The rules require that all lead-based paint activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities be performed by certified individuals. Exclusions to the rules are housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities, unless a child younger than six years of age resides or is expected to reside in that housing, or target housing with zero bedrooms. These rules also do not apply to homeowners performing lead-based paint activities in dwellings that they own, unless the dwelling is occupied by a person or persons other than the owner or the owner's immediate family while the lead activities are being performed.
Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules - Texas Administrative Code, Title 25
Chapter 295, Subchapter I - Texas Environmental Lead Reduction (PDF, 430KB)
Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules Overview
Summary of the Texas Lead-Based Paint Rules
On February 19, 1996, the Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules (TELRR) were promulgated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), formerly the Texas Department of Health. These rules cover several areas of lead-based paint activities in target housing (most housing constructed prior to 1978), including the training and certification of persons conducting lead inspections, risk assessments, abatements, and project design. The rules require that lead training providers be accredited by DSHS and also set standards for conducting lead-based paint activities.
The TELRR were amended effective May 10, 1998, to include child-occupied facilities such as day cares, kindergartens, and preschools having children under the age of seven who are regularly present, required by House Bill 729 passed by the 75th Legislature, 1997.
The rules were amended again effective March 23, 2003, to align state rules with federal rules established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning lead hazard standards.
The rules were amended a third time effective January 1, 2005, to start issuing two-year certifications and training accreditations (instead of 3-year terms) to new applicants and converting existing three-year certifications and training accreditations to two-year terms upon renewal. Language was also added that allows for the collection of annual subscription and convenience fees to recover costs associated with processing fee payments for applications through the Regulatory Services Online Licensing System.