--- title: "Lead Help in St. Louis: Free Inspections and Grants" description: "Where St. Louis City and County residents can get free lead inspections and repair help, what landlords must disclose, and who may legally remove lead paint." url: https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-help-in-st-louis publisher: Advanced Environmental Services phone: +1-314-865-2662 quote: https://www.aes-stl.com/contact --- Guide: 7 min read, updated November 6, 2026 # Lead help in St. Louis: free inspections, grants, landlord rules and who may do the work The City of St. Louis inspects for lead free where a child under six or a pregnant woman lives. St. Louis County inspects free when a child under six lives or visits there and has a recent venous blood lead test. Both offer repair help with income and child rules. Lead abatement needs a Missouri licensed contractor. [Request a Quote](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662) ![AES worker using a vacuum-equipped tool on a wall inside lead abatement containment](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/124.vs-sRkO-_Z1RTHvh.webp) ![AES crew member in a protective suit scraping old wall material from scaffolding](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/100.Beg0SK9K_Z2cMAXv.webp) ![Building wrapped in white containment sheeting during an AES lead abatement project](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/127.BqgpMQY__7ReD8.webp) ## Free City inspections The City of St. Louis inspects residential City properties free of charge where a child under six or a pregnant woman lives. Call (314) 622-4800. ## County help has rules St. Louis County inspects free for residents with a child under six who lives there or visits regularly, with a recent venous blood lead test. Call (314) 615-5323. ## Call before you apply Grant money runs out. One County grant has closed to new applications, and the County repair flyer is undated. ## Landlords must disclose Landlords and sellers of pre-1978 housing must hand over the EPA pamphlet and share what they know. They do not have to test. ## Licensed workers only Missouri DHSS says anyone doing lead abatement must be licensed. EPA's RRP rule covers paid renovation in pre-1978 homes. ## Does the City of St. Louis inspect for lead for free? Yes, in many cases. The City of St. Louis inspects residential City properties for lead free of charge where a child under six or a pregnant woman lives. You can request an inspection online or call the Citizens’ Service Bureau (CSB) at (314) 622-4800. The inspection looks for lead hazards in the home. It does not remove anything. If the inspector finds hazards, the owner can apply for financial help, covered below. This guide covers programs, offices and landlord duties. For the health basics, the 1978 cutoff and testing, read [lead paint in pre-1978 homes](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes). The glossary has short definitions of [lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint) and [lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-abatement). ## Who qualifies for a lead inspection in St. Louis County? St. Louis County Healthy Homes offers free home inspections for lead-based paint hazards to county residents, but the County FAQ sets two conditions: a child under six must live in the home or visit regularly, and that child needs a recent venous blood lead level test. Call (314) 615-5323. The County Department of Public Health runs the program. “County residents” is the County’s wording. If you live in a city inside the County, call to confirm which office covers your address. If you live in the City of St. Louis, use the City program above. ## Is there money to fix lead hazards in the city? Possibly. The City says that when lead hazards are found, owners may apply for financial assistance. It awards help using three questions: the income of the people who live there, whether children under six live there, and whether the owner lives in the home. The City also posted a notice about a federal Lead Hazard Reduction grant. The notice says the program will remediate 240 housing units, with $3,606,493 for a period running February 1, 2025 through February 1, 2029. Treat that as proof the program exists and has an end date. It is not a promise of open funds. Call CSB at (314) 622-4800 to learn what is open today. ## Is there money in St. Louis County, and who qualifies? St. Louis County’s Office of Community Development runs a Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program with no-cost home improvements. The flyer lists window and door replacement, exterior trim enclosure and interior and exterior painting. The County’s flyer is undated, so call before you apply. According to that flyer, you qualify if all of these are true: - You own a home in St. Louis County built before 1978. - You are current on your property taxes. - A child under six lives in the home or often visits it, or a mother is pregnant. - Your adjusted household income meets HUD guidelines. The program phone on the flyer is 314-615-1642. We could not confirm from the County pages that the program is open to new applicants today. Also, the County Healthy Homes page says its Show-Me Missouri Healthy Homes grant has enrolled all projects for the grant term and is no longer taking new applications. Do not count on that grant. ## Where do I turn for lead help? Start with the table. Match your situation to the row, then call the number. You are Free inspection Money to fix Phone City of St. Louis resident Yes, where a child under six or a pregnant woman lives Owners may apply when hazards are found. Income, children and owner occupancy count CSB (314) 622-4800 St. Louis County resident Yes, from Healthy Homes, with a child under six who lives there or visits regularly and has a recent venous blood lead test Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program, with owner, tax, child and income rules Inspections (314) 615-5323. Program 314-615-1642 Renter Ask the owner or the programs above The owner applies Same offices Landlord or flipper Not required to test Plan for lead-safe work rules DHSS lead licensing 573-526-5873 Check each office before you plan around a program. Funds, forms and rules change. ## What does a landlord have to tell a renter about lead? Before a renter signs a lease for housing built before 1978, the landlord must follow the federal disclosure rule. EPA lists what that means. The landlord gives you the “Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home” pamphlet. The landlord discloses what they know about lead-based paint and lead hazards, gives you available records and reports, and provides a Lead Warning Statement. The landlord must keep a signed copy of the disclosures for three years after the lease begins. EPA lists a few exemptions, including foreclosure sales and housing built after 1977. Some short leases and some zero-bedroom units are exempt too, but only under conditions EPA spells out, so read EPA’s page before you rely on one. Leases of housing that a certified inspector found lead-based paint free are also exempt. That exemption covers leases only, not sales, under 40 CFR 745.101. ## Are landlords required to test for lead paint? No. EPA says renters can ask a landlord or property manager to get a paint inspection from a certified inspector before signing, but the Disclosure Rule does not require the landlord to do it. The rule covers sharing what the landlord already knows. That gap matters. A landlord who says “I know of no lead paint” may simply never have tested. If a child under six will live in the unit, ask for a certified inspection, or call a City or County program above. The City and County may add inspection steps for rentals. See [testing an older St. Louis home](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/testing-an-older-st-louis-home) for how those local inspections fit in. ## Do buyers get time to test for lead? Yes. Under the federal rule, sellers of pre-1978 homes must give buyers a 10-day period to conduct a paint inspection or risk assessment, unless buyer and seller agree in writing to a different period, or the buyer waives it in writing. Buyers get the pamphlet and the seller’s disclosure before they sign the contract. Ten days, or whatever period your contract sets, passes fast. Line up a licensed inspector or risk assessor before you make an offer. Missouri DHSS says paint chip sampling must be done by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. Ask any inspector for the state license first. ## When does the EPA renovation rule apply to a rental or a flip? It applies whenever someone is paid to disturb paint in a home built before 1978. EPA’s [RRP rule](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/rrp-rule) requires that those firms be certified and their workers trained in lead-safe work practices. EPA says the rule generally does not cover owners working on their own home. It does cover landlords, child care centers in a home and house flippers. Missouri DHSS puts numbers on it: work that affects more than 6 square feet of painted surface inside, or 20 square feet outside, calls for a certified renovation firm and a certified renovator. The interior limit is per room, and window replacement, demolition of painted surfaces and practices the rule prohibits are covered at any size (40 CFR 745.83). EPA runs the RRP program in Missouri. Missouri is not on EPA’s list of 14 states that run their own programs. A common trap is mold or water repair. Cutting out moldy drywall with painted trim in a 1960 rental disturbs paint. See [mold in St. Louis rentals](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/mold-in-st-louis-rentals). ## Who is allowed to remove lead paint in Missouri? Only licensed professionals. Missouri DHSS says anyone doing abatement must be licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The state lists removal, replacement, enclosure and encapsulation as abatement. DHSS also does random inspections of lead abatement contractors. [Abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-abatement) is different from a lead-safe renovation. A renovation follows EPA’s rule while you remodel. Abatement is planned work to control a hazard. Our post on the [Missouri lead abatement license](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/missouri-lead-abatement-license) explains the split in more detail. ## Who samples paint chips, and how do I check a contractor? Missouri DHSS says paint chip sampling must be performed by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. Ask what method the inspector uses. One common tool is an [XRF analyzer](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/xrf-analyzer), which reads lead in paint without taking a chip. To check a contractor, ask for the state license and the EPA RRP firm certification, depending on the job. You can call the DHSS lead licensing program at 573-526-5873. Never hire anyone who offers to scrape or sand old paint without containment. ## How can AES help with lead in St. Louis? AES does [lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/lead-abatement) for homes and commercial buildings in St. Louis and within 300 miles. Call the office at (314) 865-2662 or send the quote form at [/contact](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact). We do not run the City or County grant programs and we do not inspect for them. The offices above do that. ## Next step If a lead inspection found hazards, or you plan paid work in a pre-1978 building, talk to a licensed crew first. See our [lead abatement service](https://www.aes-stl.com/lead-abatement), call (314) 865-2662, or request a free quote at [/contact](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a lead inspection free in St. Louis? Often, yes. The City of St. Louis performs lead inspections free on residential City properties where a child under six or a pregnant woman lives. St. Louis County Healthy Homes inspects free for residents with a child under six who lives there or visits regularly, with a recent venous blood lead test. Call the City at (314) 622-4800 or the County at (314) 615-5323. ### Can I get money to fix lead paint hazards? Maybe. The City says owners may apply for financial help when hazards are found, based on income, children under six and owner occupancy. The County has a no-cost program with income and child rules. Funds are limited, so call each office first to learn what is open now. ### Does my landlord have to test for lead paint? No. EPA says the disclosure rule does not require landlords to get a paint inspection. A landlord must share what they know, give you the EPA pamphlet and include a lead warning statement. You may ask your landlord to get a certified inspection before you sign. ### How long does a buyer have to test for lead paint? Under the federal rule, sellers of pre-1978 homes must give buyers a 10-day period to do a paint inspection or risk assessment, unless buyer and seller agree in writing to a different period, or the buyer waives it in writing. Ask your agent how your contract handles the window. ### Who may remove lead paint in Missouri? Missouri DHSS says anyone doing abatement, which means removal, replacement, enclosure or encapsulation, must be licensed by DHSS. Paint chip sampling must be done by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. Owners should not scrape, sand or burn old paint. ### Does the EPA renovation rule apply to a rental or a flip? Yes. EPA says the RRP rule generally does not apply to owners working on their own pre-1978 home. It does apply if you rent all or part of your home, run a child care center in it, or buy, renovate and sell homes for profit. ## Terms on this page - [Lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint) - [Lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-abatement) - [Encapsulation](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/encapsulation) - [XRF analyzer](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/xrf-analyzer) - [Containment](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/containment) - [RRP rule](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/rrp-rule) ## Sources 1. [40 CFR 745.83: minor repair and maintenance limits](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-R/part-745/subpart-E/section-745.83) 2. [40 CFR 745.110(a): 10-day period unless agreed otherwise in writing](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-R/part-745/subpart-F/section-745.110) 3. [40 CFR 745.110(b): buyer may waive in writing](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-R/part-745/subpart-F/section-745.110) 4. [40 CFR 745.101: lead-free exemption covers leases only](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-R/part-745/subpart-F/section-745.101) 5. [St. Louis County Healthy Homes FAQ: lead inspection eligibility](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/healthy-homes/healthy-homes-faq/2-i-would-like-my-home-tested-for-lead-may-i-request-an-environmental-lead-inspection/) 6. [City of St. Louis: Lead Inspection and Hazard Control Division](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/lead-inspection.cfm) 7. [City of St. Louis: Lead Inspection (financial assistance)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/lead-inspection.cfm) 8. [City of St. Louis Community Development: LHR grant notice (03/26/2025)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/community-development/documents/notice-lead-based-paint-hazard-reduction-grant-lhr.cfm) 9. [St. Louis County Office of Community Development: Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program flyer (undated)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/human-services/community-development/lead-hazard-control-program/lead-ad/) 10. [St. Louis County Public Health: Healthy Homes](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/healthy-homes/) 11. [St. Louis County Public Health: Healthy Homes (grant closed)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/healthy-homes/) 12. [US EPA: Real Estate Disclosures about Potential Lead Hazards](https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure) 13. [US EPA: Real Estate Disclosures (landlord testing)](https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure) 14. [US EPA: Real Estate Disclosures (records)](https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure) 15. [US EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program) 16. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (abatement license)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 17. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (paint chip sampling)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 18. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (RRP thresholds)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) Written by Advanced Environmental Services and checked against the sources above on November 6, 2026. Rules change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Testing an older St. Louis home: which test applies when you buy, sell or renovateWhich test applies depends on what you are doing. Selling or buying a pre-1978 home triggers federal lead disclosure. Renovating or demolishing a regulated building triggers an asbestos inspection and notice. The City of St. Louis requires an occupancy inspection on sales. No federal standard sets a mold limit, so a mold test is your choice.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/testing-an-older-st-louis-home) - [Lead paint in pre-1978 homes: when to test, renovate safely or abateAny home built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. In Missouri, an estimated 60% of homes built 1960 to 1978 do, rising to 90% before 1949. Intact paint is a lower risk. Peeling paint and renovation dust are the problem. Missouri requires licensed lead professionals for abatement and for paint chip sampling.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes) - [Who needs a Missouri lead abatement license? RRP vs abatementIn Missouri, anyone who does lead abatement (removal, replacement, enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint) must be licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services, and the company must hold a lead abatement contractor license. Ordinary renovation work in pre-1978 housing falls under EPA's separate RRP certification instead.](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/missouri-lead-abatement-license) - [Mold in a St. Louis rental: who to call and what Missouri law gives youReport mold to your landlord in writing first. In the City of St. Louis, call the Citizens' Service Bureau at (314) 622-4800. St. Louis County Healthy Homes has no authority over mold in homes, so County renters go to their own housing authority. Missouri's repair-and-deduct law covers only code violations and small repairs.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/mold-in-st-louis-rentals) - [Free Lead Inspection in St. Louis County: Who QualifiesSt. Louis County's Healthy Homes Program offers free in-home lead inspections to county residents. You qualify if a child under six lives in the home or visits regularly, and that child has a recent venous blood lead level test. Everyone else hires a lead inspector licensed by the state.](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/st-louis-county-free-lead-inspections) - [The asbestos removal process, step by stepProfessional asbestos removal follows a set order. A certified inspector surveys and samples the material. A registered contractor files notice with Missouri DNR when required, seals the work area, removes the material wet, bags and disposes of it, cleans with HEPA vacuums, and passes an air clearance test.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-removal-process) ## Request your custom environmental remediation estimate Contact us for a free environmental remediation or restoration estimate and a personalized solution to your problems. [Or call (314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662)