The State of Michigan has a program to help remove lead paint from housing. The applications can be obtained from the health department and are sent to the State of Michigan or to the City of Muskegon, depending on the location of the home. The program is for families with young children that live in older housing. It is an income-based program and is available to both renters and homeowners. Services are free if the applicant qualifies.

To be eligible:

• The house/apartment must be built prior to 1978; and
• The family (owner occupied or tenants) must be considered low/moderate income based on HUD Section 8 income limits (varies by household size).
  • For rental units, supply tenants income
  • For multi-unit rentals, need 1 application per unit

How to apply

• There MUST be an application for the house before any inspections/abatement can occur.
  • Applications are available at the health department to ANYONE requesting one.
  • Applications must be filled out COMPLETELY to be processed.
  • All children 6 years and under must be tested for lead poisoning (results must be reported on the application).
  • See our Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program page for more information on testing.
• Completed applications are sent to the Lead Hazard Control Program (Lansing - address on back of application) or to the City of Muskegon to be processed.
  • Applications are reviewed to make sure they are filled out completely.
  • Applications are “scored” to aid in prioritizing the many applications that are received.
  • Applications are approved/denied for field investigation.
• Multiple factors used to prioritize application:
  • "Score” on application from Lansing
  • Highest lead level of a child in the home
  • Number of children in the home

What happens next

• A preliminary investigation is conducted to determine whether or not the home qualifies for the program.
  • If non-lead rehab needs to be done first, families are directed to other agencies for assistance
  • If home qualifies for program as-is, investigation form is sent to Lansing or the City of Muskegon for abatement approval
• Once approved, the home is inspected, specs are written for abatement, and notice of bids are sent
  • Only state-certified lead abatement contractors are allowed to bid on projects
  • Contractors MUST attend project walk-through in order to bid on project
• Contractors return completed bids, and bids are awarded
  • Lansing has final approval of abatement projects
  • Due to contractor’s schedules, abatement may be delayed for months after bids were awarded

Lead-check swabs are available free at the health department (for PRELIMINARY RESULTS only).

Helpful Links

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 

Michigan Lead Safe Housing Registry

MDCH Lead Hazard Remediation Program

MDCH Application for Assistance with lead hazard reduction

Links for Lead Professionals & Contractors

Lead Certification Process (MDCH)

Lead Training Course Schedule (MDCH)

Locate Accredited Renovation Training Programs (EPA)

For more information, call (231) 724-1259.