--- title: "Testing an Older St. Louis Home: Asbestos, Lead, Mold" description: "Buying, selling or renovating an older St. Louis home? See when asbestos, lead and mold tests apply, which are required, and which are your choice." url: https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/testing-an-older-st-louis-home publisher: Advanced Environmental Services phone: +1-314-865-2662 quote: https://www.aes-stl.com/contact --- Guide: 6 min read, updated November 6, 2026 # Testing an older St. Louis home: which test applies when you buy, sell or renovate Which 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. [Request a Quote](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact)[(314) 865-2662](tel:+1-314-865-2662) ![AES abatement workers in white protective suits and respirators scraping a building wall from scaffolding](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/099.DIly0KOe_QvKKD.webp) ![Building wrapped in white containment sheeting with an AES storage container in front](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/AESI-083.BQiJ3BQs_Z1FKjAJ.webp) ![AES worker in a respirator and protective suit scraping wall coating from a scaffold inside plastic containment](https://www.aes-stl.com/_astro/100.Beg0SK9K_Z2cMAXv.webp) ## Lead has a sale rule Sellers of pre-1978 homes must give buyers the EPA pamphlet, share what they know and allow a 10-day window to test, unless buyer and seller agree in writing to a different period, or the buyer waives it in writing. ## Asbestos follows the project A survey and notice are tied to renovation or demolition of a regulated structure. Missouri DNR says most single-family homes are exempt. ## The City inspects on sale In the City of St. Louis a Certificate of Inspection is required before a buyer occupies a home. It is a basic code check, not a warranty. ## Mold has no federal limit St. Louis County says no federal agency has set an acceptable mold quantity. A mold test is your choice. ## Which tests apply when you buy, sell or renovate an older St. Louis home? It depends on the action. Selling or buying triggers lead disclosure and, in the City, an occupancy inspection. Renovating or demolishing can trigger an asbestos inspection and a state notice. Mold has no test rule. The table shows each step and the rule behind it. Your project Test or paperwork Rule behind it Buying a pre-1978 home Read the lead disclosure. Use the 10-day window to test unless you agreed in writing to change or waive it Federal (EPA) disclosure rule Selling a pre-1978 home Give the pamphlet, share what you know, keep signed copies 3 years Federal (EPA) disclosure rule Buying or renting out in the City Certificate of Inspection before occupancy City of St. Louis Building Division Changing occupants in unincorporated County Occupancy permit with safety and health inspection St. Louis County Paid renovation in a pre-1978 rental or flip Lead-safe certified firm EPA RRP rule Renovating or demolishing a regulated structure Asbestos inspection and notice Missouri DNR, City and County offices Mold Your choice No federal standard (St. Louis County) A test you skip at purchase can still become required later, once a project starts. Sections below cover each row. For health basics, read [asbestos in older St. Louis homes](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-in-older-st-louis-homes), [lead paint in pre-1978 homes](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-paint-in-pre-1978-homes) and [mold after water damage](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/mold-after-water-damage). ## Do I need an asbestos test before I buy an old house? No rule we found forces a buyer to test. Missouri DNR says its asbestos regulations apply to commercial structures and to some residential structures, and most single-family residences are exempt. A pre-purchase test is your choice. Test anyway if you plan work. The rules follow the project. If the plan is to gut a kitchen, replace old floor tile or tear the house down, an [asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey) tells you what is in the walls before a crew starts. Our page on [asbestos testing](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-testing) explains how samples work. If a contractor or inspector finds a suspect material, do not cut, sand or scrape it. Leave it alone and call a certified asbestos professional. ## What does the City of St. Louis inspect when a house is sold? The City requires a Certificate of Inspection before anyone occupies a home after a residential sale. The application costs $120. The City says 100% of property in St. Louis lies in a Housing Conservation District. This is a basic code check. The City says an inspection does not guarantee or warrant the overall condition of the building or its systems, and suggests buyers consider a commercial grade building inspection. If the certificate lists violations, the owner has 30 days to make repairs. Rentals are reinspected every three years or when occupancy changes. The occupancy inspection does not test for asbestos, lead or mold. It is not a substitute for the tests in this guide. ## What happens at St. Louis County when the occupant changes? In unincorporated St. Louis County, an occupancy permit requires a minimum standard of safety and health inspection whenever the occupant changes. The County lists $80 for a single family home or condo in unincorporated areas and $95.50 in contracted municipalities. Residents of other municipalities should ask their own city hall whether it requires one. First-time buyers using a support program such as Beyond Housing or Better Family Life face a combined safety, health and lead inspection at $95.50, according to the County page. Confirm fees on the County page before you apply, since they change. ## What lead paperwork does a seller owe a buyer? For housing built before 1978, the seller or landlord must hand over the “Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home” pamphlet. They must disclose known information about lead-based paint, provide available records and reports, and include a Lead Warning Statement. They must keep a signed copy for three years. For sales, the exemptions include foreclosure sales and housing built after 1977. A finding of no lead-based paint by a certified inspector exempts leases only, not sales, under 40 CFR 745.101. Missouri DHSS estimates that 60% of dwellings built from 1960 to 1978 contain lead-based paint, 80% of those built 1940 to 1959 and as high as 90% before 1949. Learn the term [lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint). ## Do buyers get time to test for lead? Yes. Sellers 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. In Missouri, paint chip sampling must be done by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor, so book one early. If the test finds hazards, you have options. You can negotiate repairs, walk away where your contract allows it, or plan abatement after closing. For local inspections and repair programs, see [lead help in St. Louis](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-help-in-st-louis). ## When does an asbestos survey become required? An asbestos inspection becomes required when a regulated structure is renovated or demolished. Missouri DNR requires notice at least 10 working days before crews begin a regulated demolition or abatement project. Two local offices also take part. The City of St. Louis Department of Health is the delegated authority for asbestos and demolition notifications and inspections, and the City uses a lower trigger than the state: projects of more than 10 square feet, 16 linear feet or 3 cubic feet fall under City Ordinance 71332. St. Louis County runs its own program too. Our guide to [Missouri demolition and renovation asbestos rules](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules) lists the state steps, and [demolition from survey to debris](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/demolition-from-survey-to-debris) walks through the order of work. In plain terms: the survey comes first, the notice second, and abatement before demolition. The [NESHAP](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/neshap) glossary entry explains the federal rule behind the notice. ## Do I need a lead-safe contractor to renovate? If you pay someone to disturb paint in a home built before 1978, yes. EPA’s [RRP rule](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/rrp-rule) requires the firm to be certified and the workers trained. EPA says the rule generally does not apply to owners working on their own home. It does apply to landlords, to anyone running a child care center in their home and to house flippers. Missouri DHSS sets the trigger at more than 6 square feet of painted surface inside or 20 square feet outside. 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). Ask any contractor which rule covers your job before work starts. Abatement is a separate category. Missouri DHSS says anyone doing removal, replacement, enclosure or encapsulation must be licensed. See our post on the [Missouri lead abatement license](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/missouri-lead-abatement-license). ## Is there a mold test rule? No rule we found requires a mold test when you buy or sell. St. Louis County says its Healthy Homes Program has no regulatory authority over mold or mildew in homes, and that “Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established by any federal agency.” We did not find an official Missouri source on the question, so we make no claim about state law. A [mold inspection](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/mold-inspection) is a choice. It makes sense after a water event, a musty smell or visible growth. The County says take-home mold tests are available through its Environmental Lab. Call 314-615-8324. If you find growth, read [mold after water damage](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/mold-after-water-damage) and our post on [mold over 10 square feet](https://www.aes-stl.com/blog/mold-over-10-square-feet). ## What about a vacant house bought from the City land bank? Prop NS is a City program that sells vacant Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) houses of six units or fewer to the highest bidder who can finish the rehab to City occupancy standards within 24 months. That timeline leaves little room for surprises behind plaster. If you buy an LRA house, treat the survey as part of the budget. Test for asbestos and lead before you price the rehab, since rules attach once your crew starts. ## How can AES help once you know what you have? Testing tells you what is there. Removal is a separate job. AES provides [asbestos abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-abatement), [lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/lead-abatement), [mold remediation](https://www.aes-stl.com/mold-remediation) and [demolition](https://www.aes-stl.com/demolition) in St. Louis and within 300 miles. We do not run the City or County programs described above. ## Next step Planning to renovate, sell or demolish an older home? Start with the [asbestos abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/asbestos-abatement) page, then call (314) 865-2662 or request a free quote at [/contact](https://www.aes-stl.com/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need an asbestos test before I buy an old house? No rule we found forces a buyer to test. Missouri DNR says its asbestos regulations cover commercial structures and some residential ones, and most single-family homes are exempt. A test is still smart if you plan to renovate, because the rules attach to the project, not the sale. ### What lead paperwork does a seller owe a buyer? For housing built before 1978, EPA says the seller gives the buyer the Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home pamphlet, discloses known lead-based paint information, provides available records and a Lead Warning Statement, and allows a 10-day period to test, unless buyer and seller agree in writing to a different period, or the buyer waives it in writing. The seller keeps signed copies for three years. ### Does the City of St. Louis inspect a house when it sells? Yes. The City says a Certificate of Inspection must be obtained before occupancy of a residential sale. The application costs $120. The inspection is a basic code check, not a guarantee of the building's condition, so buyers may also hire a commercial grade inspector. ### When does an asbestos survey become required? When a regulated structure is renovated or demolished. Missouri DNR requires notice at least 10 working days before crews begin a regulated project. The City of St. Louis and St. Louis County also run their own offices. Check the project type and the building with the office that covers your address. ### Is there a legal mold test rule when buying a home? St. Louis County says standards for an acceptable or normal quantity of mold have not been established by any federal agency. We did not find a rule that forces a mold test at sale. A mold test is a buyer's choice, usually after a musty smell or past water damage. ### Do I need a lead-safe contractor to renovate? If someone is paid to disturb paint in a pre-1978 home, EPA's RRP rule requires a certified firm. 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. ## Terms on this page - [Lead-based paint](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-based-paint) - [Mold remediation](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/mold-remediation) - [Asbestos survey](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/asbestos-survey) - [Mold inspection](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/mold-inspection) - [Lead abatement](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/lead-abatement) - [Encapsulation](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/encapsulation) - [RRP rule](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/rrp-rule) - [NESHAP](https://www.aes-stl.com/glossary/neshap) ## 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. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (Missouri estimates)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 6. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (paint chip sampling)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 7. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (abatement license)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 8. [Missouri DHSS: Lead Licensing (RRP thresholds)](https://health.mo.gov/business-professionals/lead-licensing) 9. [US EPA: Real Estate Disclosures (records)](https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure) 10. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos (10 working day notice)](https://dnr.mo.gov/air/business-industry/asbestos) 11. [Missouri DNR: Asbestos (coverage and exemption)](https://dnr.mo.gov/air/business-industry/asbestos) 12. [City of St. Louis Air Pollution Control](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/environmental-health/air-pollution/index.cfm) 13. [City of St. Louis Air Pollution Control (City threshold)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/environmental-health/air-pollution/index.cfm) 14. [City of St. Louis: Residential Occupancy Permit](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/occupancy-permits/residential-occupancy.cfm) 15. [City of St. Louis: Residential Occupancy Permit (not a warranty)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/occupancy-permits/residential-occupancy.cfm) 16. [City of St. Louis: Residential Occupancy Permit (30 days)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/permits/occupancy-permits/residential-occupancy.cfm) 17. [St. Louis County: Occupancy Permits](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/occupancy-permit-applications/) 18. [St. Louis County: Occupancy Permits (first-time buyer programs)](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/transportation-and-public-works/occupancy-permit-applications/) 19. [US EPA: Real Estate Disclosures about Potential Lead Hazards](https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure) 20. [US EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program) 21. [St. Louis County Public Health: Mold and Radon](https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/healthy-homes/mold-radon/) 22. [City of St. Louis: Land Reuse and Redevelopment (Prop NS)](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/real-estate/index.cfm) 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 - [Asbestos in older St. Louis homes: where it hides and what to doAsbestos can hide in floor tile, floor adhesive, siding, roof shingles, textured walls, pipe wrap, furnace parts and attic insulation. About 87% of St. Louis city housing units and 68% of St. Louis County units were built before 1980. The only way to know is a lab test from a certified inspector.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/asbestos-in-older-st-louis-homes) - [Lead help in St. Louis: free inspections, grants, landlord rules and who may do the workThe 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.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/lead-help-in-st-louis) - [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) - [Demolition in Missouri, From Survey to Debris: Every Step in OrderA Missouri demolition starts with a survey for asbestos, lead and mold, not with equipment. Next come notices to DNR or the city, utility disconnects and abatement. Only then does teardown begin, followed by salvage sorting and hauling debris to a regulated landfill. Each step protects the next one.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/demolition-from-survey-to-debris) - [Missouri asbestos rules for demolition and renovation: who you notify and whenIn Missouri, a regulated demolition or renovation needs an inspection by a certified asbestos inspector and a notice at least 10 working days before work starts. Thresholds of 160 square feet, 260 linear feet or 35 cubic feet trigger removal by a registered contractor. Most single-family homes are exempt.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/missouri-demolition-and-renovation-asbestos-rules) - [Mold after water damage: how to inspect, remediate and verify the fixDry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours, because mold needs moisture to grow. If mold already shows, or covers more than 10 square feet, EPA says to treat it as a larger job. Find the water source, contain the area, remove damaged material, dry everything, then confirm the moisture is gone.](https://www.aes-stl.com/guides/mold-after-water-damage) ## 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)