Many common provisions in housing codes offer opportunities for addressing environmental health hazards in the home. For example, provisions addressing plumbing problems, faulty gutters, and excessive moisture can be used to minimize water and moisture problems, which may underlie mold growth, deteriorating paint, and pest infestations. Because most jurisdictions prohibit deteriorating paint (regardless of its lead content), consistent enforcement of these provisions could significantly reduce lead hazards in high-risk housing.

Code enforcers are well positioned to ensure that property owners work safely and effectively when they undertake repairs. For example, when requiring a property owner to address mold problems, code enforcers must ensure that any underlying moisture problems are corrected. Otherwise, mold growth will recur. In addition, when repairs will disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing, code enforcers should require the use of lead-safe work practices (LSWP), and ideally require clearance testing to ensure that lead hazards are not left behind.

Of course, the mere existence of a housing code does not guarantee quality housing. Many code enforcement agencies have limited resources, and some do not have sufficient enforcement powers to ensure compliance. In order for housing codes to combat landlord neglect and improve conditions in distressed communities, the codes must be coupled with strong enforcement. A variety of strategies [PDF] exist to augment the overall effectiveness of housing code enforcement and to integrate lead safety into code enforcement.