Lead-based paint hazard control in privately-owned housing

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control awarded Harris County $5.75 million on March 2, 2026, under the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program (CFDA 14.900) to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in privately-owned rental and owner-occupied housing in the Houston area.

The award funds comprehensive lead hazard control efforts targeting housing units where children under six years of age face the greatest risk of lead poisoning, with emphasis on pre-1960 and pre-1940 construction in low-income and minority neighborhoods. Harris County will deploy cost-effective lead hazard control methods while building local capacity of trained and certified individuals and firms to address lead hazards safely during control, renovation, remodeling, and maintenance activities. The grant also supports development of community-based approaches integrating lead hazard reduction with other local public and private initiatives addressing housing-related health and safety hazards for low-income families with children under six.

Performance runs from March 2, 2026, through March 2, 2030. Harris County receives the award as prime recipient and acts as administrator of the federal entitlement on behalf of the county.