What Is the Cleveland Lead Safe Ordinance?
In 2019, the City of Cleveland enacted legislation requiring all rental properties built before 1978 to be certified Lead Safe. Enforcement began rolling out in March 2021 across multiple ZIP codes, and as of now, the ordinance is fully in effect citywide.
If you're a landlord in Cleveland, this isn't optional. You need a Lead Safe Certificate to register your rental property and to obtain relief (including eviction proceedings) in Cleveland Municipal Court.
Who Does This Apply To?
The ordinance applies to every rental unit in Cleveland that was built before 1978. That includes single-family rentals, duplexes, and large multi-unit buildings. If your property falls into this category and you don't have a current Lead Safe Certificate, you're not in compliance.
What Does a Lead Risk Assessment Involve?
The key step in getting certified is having a lead risk assessment performed by a certified risk assessor. During the assessment, we conduct a thorough interior and exterior visual inspection of your property, checking every painted surface for signs of deterioration. We use an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer to test paint on surfaces throughout the home — this gives us instant, accurate readings of lead content without damaging your walls. We also collect dust wipe samples from floors, window sills, and window troughs to measure lead dust levels. These samples are sent to an accredited lab for analysis. If your property passes, you're clear to apply for your Lead Safe Certificate with the city. If hazards are found, we'll identify exactly what needs to be addressed so you can get remediation done and move toward compliance.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
Non-compliance can result in fines and an inability to register your rental property. More critically, you won't be able to file for eviction in Cleveland Municipal Court without proof of certification. The city takes this seriously — and so should you.
