Lowe's agreed to pay $12.5 million over nationwide lead-safe renovation violations
Company: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed nationwide settlement with Lowe's Home Centers LLC in November 2025 over alleged violations of federal rules designed to protect families from lead exposure during home renovations. Lowe's Home Centers is a subsidiary of Lowe's Companies, Inc. The case concerns EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which requires contractors performing certain renovation work in homes built before 1978 to be properly certified and to use lead-safe work practices. The alleged violations arose from renovation work performed by contractors hired by Lowe's at hundreds of homes across the United States, primarily between 2019 and 2021. EPA alleged that Lowe's failed to successfully implement compliance requirements imposed under an earlier 2014 settlement with the federal government. According to the government, some violations were identified through compliance reports Lowe's was already required to submit under the earlier consent decree. EPA found additional alleged violations after investigating a public tip concerning door replacements and other renovation work performed by a Lowe's contractor in California. The federal government alleged noncompliance with requirements intended to prevent dangerous lead dust and paint chips from being spread during renovations. Under the proposed 2025 consent decree, Lowe's agreed to pay a $12.5 million civil penalty. The company also agreed to implement a comprehensive nationwide compliance program covering firms and installers hired to perform renovation work. Among other measures, Lowe's must verify property age, use appropriately certified firms and renovators, collect compliance documentation and operate an electronic compliance system designed to prevent non-certified installers from receiving covered renovation work. The settlement resolves allegations and was announced as a proposed consent decree subject to public comment and final court approval. Primary sources: U.S. Department of Justice — Lowe's Home Centers to Pay $12.5M Penalty for Lead Paint Violations During Home Renovations: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/lowes-home-centers-pay-125m-penalty-lead-paint-violations-during-home-renovations U.S. EPA — Lowe's Home Centers, LLC RRP 2025 Settlement Summary: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/lowes-home-centers-llc-rrp-2025-settlement-summary