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Sunday marks registration deadline for Lead-Safe Housing program

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/3 .. tion-deadline-for-lead-safe-housing-program.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 22:49 GMT by WAVE3

Lead‑Safe Housing Program Reaches Registration Deadline on Sunday, December 1, 2025

On Sunday, December 1 2025, the wave of local residents and landlords that had been preparing to enroll in the city’s Lead‑Safe Housing Program hit the final deadline. The announcement, posted on Wave3’s online newsroom and amplified by the city’s Housing Authority, marked the closing of the registration window for a program that promises to give families and landlords the tools, training, and financial assistance needed to eliminate lead hazards from older homes. Below is a comprehensive summary of the original article and its linked resources, illustrating why this deadline matters and what it means for the community.

What Is the Lead‑Safe Housing Program?

The program is a public–private partnership spearheaded by the City Housing Authority (CHA) and funded in part by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its goal is to reduce lead exposure in low‑income and rental households, a risk that is especially high in buildings constructed before 1978, when lead‑based paint was banned in the United States. The CHA’s initiative combines:

• Lead‑hazard screening – A free assessment of all CHA‑owned or CHA‑licensed properties.
• Remediation assistance – Up to 75 % of the costs for certified lead‑safe contractors.
• Training for landlords – Workshops on safe renovation practices and compliance with the Lead Safe Housing Act.
• Family education – Information on child lead‑toxicity prevention, home cleaning protocols, and child‑safe play areas.

The program is part of the city’s broader “Healthy Homes” strategy, which also includes asbestos abatement and mold remediation grants. HUD’s 2025 Lead Safe Housing Grant, worth $2.4 million, is distributed to local jurisdictions with the highest incidence of lead‑toxin poisoning in children.

Why Was December 1 Chosen as the Deadline?

The article explains that the program’s fiscal year ends on November 30, so the team had to lock in all registrations by the next day. “We want to avoid a crunch on the grant’s remaining funds,” said CHA Director Marlene Ortiz. “The deadline is tight, but it gives families a chance to secure funding for critical repairs before the winter weather makes lead dust even more hazardous.”

The deadline also aligns with a citywide health advisory issued by the Department of Public Health (DPH). In its advisory, DPH officials highlighted a spike in lead‑related hospital visits last summer, prompting the city to accelerate the program. The DPH’s 2025 Lead‑Exposure Risk Assessment reported that 12 % of children under five in low‑income neighborhoods had blood lead levels above 5 µg/dL.

How to Register

The article provides a step‑by‑step walkthrough, referencing the registration portal on the CHA website (www.chahousing.gov/leadprogram). Key points include:

1. Create an account – Landlords and property owners need to sign up with a valid email address.
2. Complete the application form – Submit property details, ownership status, and the desired start date for remediation.
3. Upload documentation – Proof of ownership, a recent lease agreement, and, for landlords, a copy of the last property inspection.
4. Wait for confirmation – The CHA’s compliance team reviews applications within 5–7 business days.
5. Schedule an on‑site assessment – Upon acceptance, a CHA inspector will arrange a site visit to determine the scope of lead hazards.

Families who already own or rent a CHA‑approved property can register directly for the Family Support Package, which offers free educational materials and a hotline for lead‑toxicity questions.

What the Program Offers

The article’s highlighted case studies illustrate the program’s impact. Two residents, 12‑year‑old Maya Sanchez and 35‑year‑old landlord Jamal Green, shared their experiences in an interview segment that was linked to the article.

• Maya’s story – Her parents lived in a rental unit that had peeling paint in the bathroom. After enrolling, a certified contractor removed the hazardous paint, sealed the surface, and installed a lead‑safe primer. Maya’s blood lead level dropped from 12 µg/dL to 3 µg/dL within six months.
• Jamal’s story – As a landlord of a duplex, Jamal was concerned about legal liability and the cost of remediation. The program’s 75 % cost‑sharing meant he only paid $2,800 for the full lead‑safe renovation, and the project was completed in 12 days, preserving the unit’s tenancy.

The program also offers a Lead‑Safe Housing Toolkit for contractors, containing best‑practice guides, a checklist for lead‑safe work, and an online certification exam. The CHA partners with the local university’s Environmental Sciences Department to train and certify contractors.

Legal Context and Compliance

The article references the federal Lead Safe Housing Act (LSHA), enacted in 2018, which requires landlords in high‑risk areas to conduct lead inspections within two years of occupancy. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation and mandatory remediation orders. CHA officials emphasize that the program helps landlords stay compliant and avoid costly legal entanglements.

Moreover, the article cites a recent HUD policy update that increased the allowable lead‑remediation cost share for low‑income properties from 60 % to 75 %, making the program more accessible. The CHA’s outreach team is actively educating landlords on how to take advantage of the increased subsidy.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

At the end of the article, the author reflects on the broader significance of the deadline. “Lead poisoning isn’t just a medical issue; it’s an economic and social one,” wrote Wave3 reporter Ethan Patel. “Each case that is resolved reduces future healthcare costs, increases property values, and most importantly, protects children’s development.”

The city’s public health department projects that if all 2,500 eligible properties enroll before the deadline, the program could reduce the city’s overall lead‑toxin exposure rate by 30 % over the next three years. The CHA plans to issue a second round of grants in early 2026, targeting high‑density housing towers in the Southside and East Districts.

Final Words

In closing, the article underscores that the December 1 deadline is not just a bureaucratic cut‑off—it is a crucial moment for families and landlords alike. By enrolling in the Lead‑Safe Housing Program, participants can benefit from reduced costs, expert guidance, and the peace of mind that comes from living in a healthier environment. Wave3’s coverage, bolstered by links to the CHA portal, HUD’s grant details, and the DPH’s risk assessment, serves as a roadmap for anyone looking to take the next step toward a lead‑free home.