Colorado Springs Lead Paint Testing - City Rules

Housing and Building Standards Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado landlords and tenants must understand how lead-based paint hazards are identified and addressed in rental properties. This guide explains who enforces housing standards, how testing and abatement typically proceed, tenant notification expectations, and where to report suspected hazards to city or county authorities.

Testing and Initial Steps

For rental properties built before 1978, landlords should evaluate the risk of lead-based paint before renovations or tenant turnover. Common testing options include certified laboratory paint chip testing, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) inspection, and contractor-led dust and soil sampling. Federal rules govern renovation work that disturbs painted surfaces; consult federal renovator certification requirements when hiring contractors.EPA RRP[3]

Hire only EPA-certified renovators for work that disturbs painted surfaces.

Required Abatement Steps for Rentals

When testing indicates lead hazards, follow a documented abatement plan executed by qualified professionals and preserve records for tenants and inspectors. Typical steps include:

  • Prepare a written scope of work and hazard control plan.
  • Use lead-safe work practices or full abatement methods as specified by the project.
  • Perform post-abatement clearance testing and obtain a clearance report.
  • Provide tenants with documentation of testing and clearance results.
Keep abatement records with the property file and share copies with current tenants.

Penalties & Enforcement

Local enforcement for housing condition and abatement in Colorado Springs is handled by City Code Compliance and related departments, which respond to complaints, inspect properties, and can issue orders to abate hazards.City Code Compliance[1]

Fine amounts and specific civil penalties for lead-related violations are not specified on the cited city page; enforcement tools and monetary penalties vary by case and are documented in municipal code sections and enforcement orders where published.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, stop-work or repair orders, and court enforcement actions are possible but exact remedies are set in enforcement procedures.
If the city issues an abatement order, comply promptly and document each remediation step.

Applications & Forms

No city-specific lead-abatement permit form was published on the cited pages; landlords should contact City Code Compliance for current form names, permit requirements, and submission procedures.City Code Compliance[1]

Inspections, Complaints, and Who to Contact

To report suspected lead hazards or request inspection, contact City Code Compliance. For public-health testing, blood lead testing and medical guidance are available through El Paso County Public Health, which provides testing referrals and poisoning-prevention resources.El Paso County Public Health[2]

  • Report complaints to City Code Compliance via the city complaint portal or phone.
  • Request environmental testing guidance from county public health for clinical and community testing options.
  • Document all communications and retain inspection or clearance reports for tenant records.
Documenting complaints and remediation actions protects both landlords and tenants in case of disputes.

FAQ

Who must test for lead in Colorado Springs rental properties?
There is no city-published mandatory universal testing rule on the cited pages; testing is required under federal RRP for renovation activities that disturb painted surfaces and may be required by other programs.EPA RRP[3]
Can a landlord hire any contractor for abatement?
Landlords should hire contractors who follow EPA lead-safe work practices or are abatement-certified where required; check contractor credentials and ask for clearance reports after work.
How do tenants report suspected lead hazards?
Tenants can report to City Code Compliance for housing condition inspections and to El Paso County Public Health for health-related testing and referrals.City Code Compliance[1] El Paso County Public Health[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the property age and available records about prior paint work.
  2. Obtain testing from a qualified inspector or laboratory; use XRF or laboratory paint-chip analysis when indicated.
  3. Hire EPA-certified renovators or licensed abatement contractors for remediation when work will disturb lead-painted surfaces.
  4. Complete clearance testing and provide tenants with written results and records.
  5. If the city issues an order, follow the timeline for compliance and use appeal routes if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Pre-1978 rentals should be assessed before renovations and tenant turnover.
  • Use EPA-certified renovators and obtain clearance testing to protect tenants and meet federal rules.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Colorado Springs - Code Compliance
  2. [2] El Paso County Public Health
  3. [3] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Renovation, Repair and Painting Program

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