Lead & Healthy Homes Program

The Lead and Healthy Homes program determines the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead hazards from paint, dust, or soil.  The program prioritizes identified risks in eligible residential properties for repair.  Due to the history of lead used in construction and the associated health risks to children under the age of six, the priority for these activities will be to low income households in homes built in 1978 or earlier - where children under the age of six reside or spend significant time.  This program is funded through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  No liens will be placed on properties receiving repairs from this program, however; deed restrictions may be placed on properties depending on the scope of repair.

Provisions of the Lead and Healthy Homes Program

  • Mitigate exposure to lead-based paint
  • Bring the home into compliance with the City of Durham minimum Housing Code
  • Reduce health and safety hazards in the home

to be eligible:

  • Be a homeowner or landlord or rental units, where occupants meet age and income limits.
  • Property must be built before 1978.
  • Children under age six must reside or spend a significant amount of time in the residence.
    • Per the EPA definition, a child-occupied facility is defined as three hours a day on two separate days a week and a total of 60 hours per year.
  • Be an owner of a high-risk property (i.e., properties where elevated lead levels have been detected or suspected).

Eligible Beneficiaries of the Requested Services

The above table outlines the eligible beneficiaries of the requested services from the Lead and Healthy Homes Program.
Occupant Type
Income Level
Child Occupant <6 years old
Renter 1.  At least 50% of units must be less than 50% AMI.
2.  Remaining units (<50%) must be less than 80% AMI.
 1.  Not required at time of assistance.
2.  Property owner must give priority to families with children under age six for at least 3 years.
Multifamily Renter
(≥ five units in the same property)
 1.  20% of total number of units in same building may exceed 80% AMI.
2.  Remaining units must meet renter income requirements above.
 1.  Not required at time of assistance.
2.  Property owner must give priority to families with children under age six for at least 3 years. 
Owner (primary residence) 100% of owner-occupied units must be occupied by families with less than 80% AMI 1.  At least 90% of total number of owner-occupied units assisted must have
     - A child under six years old in residence
     - A child under six years old spends a "significant amount of time" in the residence
     - A pregnant woman
2.  Less than 10% of total number of units assisted may be occupied by families without a child.

How to apply:

This program is not accepting applications at this time. 

steps after eligibility is determined

  • An at home inspection is conducted by certified risk assessor.
  • Scope of work for any future Lead Remediation or Renovation is determined by the inspection.
  • If approved, and adequate funding and resources are available, City of Durham staff will enter into agreement with the property owner regarding scope and timeline for repairs.

No amount of lead exposure is safe.  If you believe you or your child have inhaled or ingested lead, please contact your primary care physician or Durham County Public Health.