Lead Safe Maricopa County

Lead paint presents a serious health hazard. Children under 6 years old are most at risk. Lead can also harm unborn babies during pregnancy if the lead gets into the body through swallowing or breathing deteriorated paint particles. 

To reduce childhood lead poisoning, Maricopa County's Human Services Department has a program offered at no cost to qualified households that conducts an inspection for lead paint hazards and works to eliminate the lead hazard if it is detected.  

The program focuses on dwellings built before 1978 since the use of lead-based paints was banned for residential use in 1978. Common places where lead-based paint is found indoors include windows, walls, cabinets, and doors. Lead-based paint can also be found outdoors on siding, porches, railings, or gates.  

How to Apply

To qualify for the Lead Safe program, a homeowner or renter must meet the following criteria:

  • The dwelling must be located in Maricopa County, but not in the city of Phoenix;
  • The dwelling must be built before 1978;
  • The dwelling must be a single-family home or an apartment complex with less than 15 units;
  • A child under the age of six (6) or a pregnant woman must live in the home or a child under the age of six (6) visits at least three hours a day on two (2) separate days a week; and
  • The household’s total income is at or below 80% Area Median Income.

80% of the Area Median Income

Household SizeAnnual Household Income
1$49,500
2$56,550
3$63,600
4$70,650
5$76,350
6$82,000
7$87,650
8$93,300
Each Additional PersonContact us for households larger than 8

80% of the Area Median Income for Fiscal Year 2022 as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Effective June 15, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Lead is a naturally occurring element, but it can be harmful when it gets into the body, especially for young children and pregnant women. Although lead-based paint has been banned for consumer use, homes and apartments built before 1978 may have peeling or chipping lead-based paint. Lead is particularly dangerous to children under six years old; it can cause delayed growth, behavioral problems, hearing loss, and brain damage.