Georgia Lead-Safe Renovation (RRP) Requirements

Georgia operates its own EPA-authorized lead-safe renovation program through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) — contractors must hold a Georgia firm and renovator certificate, not just a federal EPA credential or another state's certification. Georgia EPD does not recognize EPA certifications and has no reciprocity with EPA.

What work is covered

Renovation, repair, or painting that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities requires Georgia certification when performed for compensation. Covered thresholds: more than 6 square feet per interior room or more than 20 square feet on exterior surfaces. Minor repair and maintenance below those thresholds is excluded — but window replacement and partial demolition do not qualify for the exclusion.

A Georgia-certified renovator must direct the lead-safe work practices used by the crew on each covered job.

Firm certification: choose the term that fits your workload

• 1-year firm certificate: $125, filed through GEOS (geos.epd.georgia.gov)
• 3-year firm certificate: $300 — reduces renewal frequency for firms with steady covered work
• Firms must be certified before advertising or performing any covered renovation work
• Hardcopy and mailed applications are not accepted — GEOS is the only pathway

Renovator certification costs $150 for 3 years

• Renovator certificate: $150, valid for 3 years
• Requires completion of an approved renovator training course from a Georgia-accredited provider
• The certificate is individual — not covered by the firm certificate

Both certificates required before work starts

Georgia requires both a current firm certificate and a current individual renovator certificate before any covered work begins. Holding one without the other is not sufficient.

Lapsing the refresher window is expensive

• Firms on the 1-year plan renew annually; 3-year plan holders renew every three years
• Renovators must track their 3-year cycle and complete refresher training before the window closes
• A renovator who misses the refresher deadline falls into a provisional pathway — Georgia EPD offers a $300 provisional certificate valid for 12 months while the renovator completes requalification

When renovation becomes abatement

Projects involving lead abatement (not renovation) fall under Georgia's separate lead-based paint abatement rules, which require different certification. Confirm your project scope with Georgia EPD before starting.

*Disclaimer: Verify current certification requirements, fees, and work practice standards directly with Georgia EPD before performing covered work.*