San Francisco is both a city and a county, and much of its housing is old. Plenty of homes and apartment buildings were built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for housing, so lead paint is a reasonable thing to check for before painting, remodeling, or buying.
Places to look first in an older building are windows, doors, trim, stair rails and porches, because paint there wears fastest. Older multi-unit buildings often have many coats of paint over the years.
Before you hire anyone, check the contractor's California license at cslb.ca.gov and ask which CDPH lead certification applies. Send a request and we will refer you to a CSLB-licensed pro who works in San Francisco.
Local tips
- Look up the year built in county property records before assuming anything.
- Check windows, trim and stair parts for chipping paint first.
- Ask any pro how they will contain dust in a shared building.
- Verify the contractor license at cslb.ca.gov.
Questions in San Francisco
Is lead paint common in older San Francisco buildings?
It can be. Many were built before 1978, so check the build year and the condition of the paint.
Do I need a license check for small jobs?
California generally requires a contractor license for jobs of $500 or more. Check the license for any job.
Are there city rules?
Cities and counties can have their own lead rules. Check with the city, and ask an attorney or agent about your situation.
Services
Lead Paint Removal, Lead Inspection & Risk Assessment, Lead-Safe Renovation, Lead Dust Cleanup & Clearance, Lead-Safe Window & Door Work, Lead in Drinking Water Testing. Landlords and sellers: lead paint disclosure.
Nearby: Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Richmond, San Jose, Hayward, Daly City.