What exactly is the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule? Well, in a nutshell it applies primarily to contractors (and concerned homeowners) performing renovations, repairs and painting on homes built prior to 1978 when lead based paint was banned due to harmful effects to children and adults. For more detailed info please visit the official EPA website. If you're old enough perhaps you'll remember seeing a TV commercial in the late 1970's early 1980's featuring a small child