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Lead-Safe Wisconsin: The Lead-Safe Homes Program

Two adults in hazmat suits removing lead paint from a building.

If you live in a home built before 1978 that has chipping or peeling paint, the Wisconsin Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSHP) may be able to help. This program makes homes safe for kids or pregnant women that are on Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus in Wisconsin by removing lead hazards.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) runs the LSHP in partnership with local and regional community groups that receive grants. To learn more, call 608-267-9191 or email DHSLeadSafe@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

LSHP prioritizes applications and projects based on the criteria below. Please note that applications may be placed on hold due to the high interest in LSHP and the service areas of LSHP grantees. This determination will be made after a complete application is reviewed for eligibility.

  • Priority 1: Homes where a child has been identified with a high blood lead level and the local health department has issued orders for correction
  • Priority 2: Homes of children that are poisoned but are not subject to lead hazard reduction work orders from the local health department
  • Priority 3: Homes built before 1950 that do not have a lead-poisoned child or lead hazard reduction work orders
  • Priority 4: Any other eligible property

You may qualify for the LSHP if:

  • Your home was built before 1978.
  • Your taxes are paid to date or you are enrolled in a tax payment plan.
  • Children under age 19 or a pregnant woman living at or regularly visiting your home are on, or are eligible for, Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus. ("Regularly visiting" means visiting for at least three hours per day on two or more days per week, totaling at least 60 hours per year.)

If you’d like more information, download our Lead-Safe Homes Program: Making Homes Lead-Safe for Kids brochure, P-03292 (PDF)

How does the program help?

The LSHP helps:

  • Children grow up in homes that are lead-safe.
  • Property owners pay for needed fixes to make homes lead-safe.
  • Contractors get trained and certified in lead-safe work practices.
  • Communities improve older housing stock.

When a property is approved, what costs are covered by the LSHP?

The LSHP will cover these costs for approved properties:

  • Property assessments, before and after repair work is completed
  • Lead-safe repairs of identified lead-based paint hazards, such as replacing windows, doors, and paint (Please note that this is not a home makeover or remodeling program like on television.)

Why should I participate in the program?

  • Owner-occupant homeowners: The program covers 100% of the costs to make your home lead-safe.
  • Landlords: Beginning October 1, 2023, the program covers 90% of the costs to make your rental properties lead-safe.
  • Renters: There is no cost to you.

*Due to the significant interest in this statewide program and every home being unique, LSHP cannot provide you with a specific time frame for each step of the LSHP process. Also, please be aware that your application may be put on hold and that it may take 12 months or more to start the work on your home, if eligible.

What forms do I need to submit?

The forms you must submit depend on whether the owner lives at the property ("owner-occupied") or does not live at the property ("rental"). Find the required forms for your property type below. Note: Applications without a completed Occupant Worksheet will not be processed.

How do I submit completed forms?

Please follow the submission instructions found at the top of each form.

Call 608-267-9191 or email DHSLeadSafe@dhs.wisconsin.gov to contact the LSHP team.

Glossary

 
Last revised April 3, 2024