Lead

Burlington Lead Program

The Burlington Lead Program (BLP) is a housing program within the City of Burlington Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) and is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Lead Program received its first Lead Hazard Control Grant in 2003, and is now working with our 6th grant we have received from HUD. 

Currently, BLP has more than $3 million to reduce lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 homes in Burlington and Winooski, as well as to provide education and outreach to residents to help keep families and households safe from lead poisoning. 

Apply Today                                                                                         

Apply today to receive 100% forgivable grants and loans towards a lead hazard reduction project to make your home or rental property safer, healthier, and for rentals to be compliant with the Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law. Our lead hazard reduction treatments include replacement windows, indoor and outdoor deteriorated paint stabilization, and more. We are able to provide up to:

  • $15,000/unit in eligible rental properties where no children under age 6 reside,
  • $17,500/unit in eligible rental properties where children under age 6 reside, and
  • $20,000 for eligible owner-occupied or rental single-family properties where a child under age 6 resides or visits frequently.

If qualified, our program also has Healthy Homes funding available ($5,000/household) to address a variety of environmental health and safety concerns including mold, allergens, carbon monoxide, pests, and more. Our Healthy Homes treatments include removing old carpet, floor replacement, replacing inoperable windows, asbestos abatement, and more. 


To qualify for assistance the unit must:

  • Be located in Burlington or Winooski
  • Have been constructed prior to 1978
  • Have at least one (1) bedroom
  • Total household income cannot exceed 80% of the area median income
  • Owner-occupied units must have a child under age 6 or an expectant parent living at or frequently visiting the residence. This requirement does not apply to rental units.

Our Work                                                                                         

BLP works with property owners to reduce lead-based paint hazards at their properties. We work in residential properties and home-based childcare centers in Burlington and Winooski, which create lead-safe and healthy housing units. Please see Past Projects & Testimonials to learn more about our past work. 

The full process from application to clearance typically takes 6 months; once a household is qualified, our environmental testing consultant will test all painted and stained surfaces of the interior and exterior, confirming areas of concern. Our project manager then visits the property for an assessment, formulating a scope of work for the project. We manage the project with certified contractors, handle project permits, and handle occupant relocation with multiple options. After the project, the home will be tested for lead dust after the work is complete to ensure it is safe to return. Please see Project Expectations to learn more about the step-by-step full process.