Maintaining a safe, healthy living environment isn’t just about compliance. It’s about responsibility, reputation, and long-term value. For tenants, it’s a basic right. At the center of this is one critical standard: lead safety.
This is the focus of the Healthy Homes Program, an initiative within Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health. The program works to reduce health risks, especially for children and pregnant women, by addressing lead hazards in homes built before 1978.
Lead-safe housing is more than a legal requirement in many areas. It protects families, reduces liability, and adds value to properties. Whether you're a new landlord or a seasoned investor, making your property lead-safe is one of the most important steps you can take.
Two decades ago, Lon Syla was a manufacturing engineer looking for stability. He bought his first property as a backup plan, but it quickly became a passion. Today, he owns 11 properties and is a committed advocate for the Healthy Homes Program. For Lon, this work is about more than real estate. It’s about protecting families and building stronger communities.
We sat down with Lon to learn more about his journey, what led him to the Healthy Homes Program, and what advice he has for other property owners.
How did you hear about the Healthy Homes Program?
I knew a gentleman who owns a two-family property and also runs a restaurant in Ansonia, CT. During an inspection at his restaurant, the inspector mentioned the Healthy Homes Program. He applied and received assistance for his two-family property.
What motivated you to apply for the Health Homes Program?
Knowing my properties were 80 to 120 years old made me uneasy. I wanted to make them safer for the families, especially the kids who live there. As a parent myself, I understand how critical it is to provide a safe and healthy environment. I believe every child deserves a fair chance at a healthy start.
How many properties have gone through and completed the program process?
So far, I’ve completed the process for six of my properties through the program, and I currently have two more in the works. One of them has already been inspected, and the other is just waiting to be assigned for inspection. It’s a step-by-step journey, but one that’s worth it for the safety and well-being of the families who live there.
What were the conditions of the six properties like before they went through the program?
Not all the properties were in the same condition; some were in decent shape, while others needed more attention. The Healthy Homes Program has made a big difference, not just for me as the owner, but also for the tenants. Initially, many of the properties had leaded windows, doors, and even porches. On one of the properties, the windows weren't found to have lead, but they were undersized. In the event of a fire, this could have posed a risk, so they were replaced. The porches were repaired on many properties because they contained lead, and the porch ceiling had lead paint, so new siding was added to address that. Garage doors that had lead were also replaced.
The improvements have been significant, and the tenants were genuinely happy with the results.
How has your experience with the application process been, from your very first submission to your most recent one?
The application process has always been pretty simple, but what really made it easy was the support from the staff. Any time I had a question, I could call or email and they were always responsive and helpful. There were even times I’ve gotten callbacks after regular hours or emails on the weekend. That kind of dedication has stood out to me. Their commitment amazes me.
One thing that has helped is how the staff has also supported the tenants, explaining the process, building trust, and making everyone feel comfortable.
The process itself has also improved over time. I remember when it was all done with paper applications. Now, it’s electronic, and the system prompts you step-by-step, even giving you an estimate of when to expect a follow-up call. At first, I was hesitant to switch; I was used to the paper form and even asked if I could just scan and send it. But with a little encouragement from the intake person, I gave the online system a try, and it turned out to be incredibly easy. Honestly, anyone can do it. It’s much more efficient now, and I appreciate how user-friendly it has become.
What were some of the challenging moments in the process?
Dealing with some of the tenants’ frustration, especially when they were told they may need to temporarily relocate during remediation. A common reaction was, “Why do we have to leave?” It was challenging, but once the tenants were properly educated by the staff about the hazards of lead and the importance of the remediation for their safety, as well as the importance of having their children tested for lead, their attitudes shifted. They also explained how to maintain the home after the repairs were completed. Tenants were reassured that the relocation costs wouldn’t be a burden on them or me. The program covers those expenses and takes care of all necessary arrangements before the work begins, which helps alleviate a lot of stress for everyone involved. One tenant even told me, ‘This is saving me 30% on my heating bill because of the new windows and doors!’ That kind of feedback makes the process worth it.
Do you feel more confident and secure renting out your properties now that the work has been completed?
Definitely! I feel much more secure now. I know we addressed the potential lead hazards, which is important because, when you buy homes, the lead question often gets the answer "Unknown." But now I’m certain. For example, one of my properties had a child who tested positive for lead; had I known, I would’ve never had a family in that unit; it received an abatement order and is currently in the process of becoming lead safe. I am also now aware of what to look out for, such as chipping paint.
I’m comfortable knowing I did the right thing by going through this program. It's not just good for me as the owner, but it's also great for the people living there. I’m grateful for the assistance the program provided. As an owner, I can now rent to families with children and offer reasonable, affordable rent. Without this help, I would’ve had to take out a loan for repairs, which would have meant raising the rent and the tenants would ultimately end up paying the price, which is hard when everything is so expensive.
What would you say to other property owners or investor landlords who might be hesitant to apply for the Healthy Homes Program? What’s the best advice you’d give them?
Whenever someone asks me about the Healthy Homes Program or even people I’ve referred, I always share my experience. I explain how the program makes homes lead-safe and why that matters. If you're fair in life and care about providing a decent place to live, whether for yourself or for others, this program just makes sense.
As a parent who’s deeply attached to my kids, I believe we all have a responsibility to provide safe living environments for families. We owe it to them. That’s why I always tell people: this is a truly great program. Some grants required me to contribute a small amount as the owner, and some didn’t require anything at all, but even when I did have to pay something, it was worth it for both new and experienced owners. I’d say take advantage of this opportunity. It improves your property and makes it safer. I proactively refer to the Healthy Homes Program. Don’t wait until a child gets sick or the Health Department has to step in. Take care of it early. It’s the right thing to do.
If you’re a property owner looking to make your units safer—or a tenant concerned about lead hazards in your home—the Healthy Homes Program is here to help. Learn more and apply today.