If the city sent you a $200 civil ticket under code 365.04, a pre-1978 rental you own doesn't have a current Lead Safe Certificate. Paying the ticket doesn't fix that. A licensed lead risk assessment does, and we can usually get you on the calendar within days.
Licensed Ohio risk assessor | Cleveland-based | Fast turnaround
If these three things are true, the ticket is about Cleveland's Lead Safe Certificate requirement.
That's the section of Cleveland's code that requires Lead Safe Certificates for rental units.
Every rental unit in Cleveland built before January 1, 1978 needs a certificate.
Certificates last two years. An expired certificate counts the same as having none.
Here is what the city says about Lead Safe civil tickets and how to get back into compliance.
The fine is $200. If it isn't paid within 30 days, the city adds a $50 late fee.
Unpaid tickets go on your property tax bill. The balance becomes a lien on the property.
You have 30 days to appeal. After that, the right to appeal is gone. Appeals go to CivilAppeals@clevelandohio.gov.
Getting certified won't cancel this ticket. The city's position is that the violation existed when the ticket was written. But certification is what stops more tickets and stronger enforcement.
Clearance exams no longer start a certificate. Since October 18, 2024, Cleveland requires a lead risk assessment instead.
There's no city fee to apply. You pay for the assessment, then submit the report through the city's Citizen Access Portal within 90 days of the inspection.
Just got a ticket? Call us with the address and we'll tell you exactly what's needed to get certified and how fast we can come out.
Licensed & local
We do Cleveland Lead Safe assessments every week, so you are not anyone's first job.
Call or book online. Mention the ticket and we'll get you in as soon as we can.
A licensed risk assessor inspects the unit and takes dust-wipe samples for lab analysis.
You get the risk assessment report the city requires.
Submit it on the city portal. If anything needs fixing, we explain exactly what and how.
Two options depending on how thorough you need the testing to be. Both meet Cleveland's Lead Safe Certificate requirement.
Essential
A thorough visual lead risk assessment with dust-wipe sampling, following all local requirements.
Comprehensive
Adds XRF testing to determine whether deteriorated paint actually contains lead.
See the full pricing page for details.
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"Dan and his team are real professionals! He made the process for lead certification in Cleveland so smooth. He works with you to make sure that everything is done and guides you through the process. I would highly recommend working with him."
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"Working with Dan was a wonderful experience. He explains everything very clearly, answers all your questions at any time, is always available when you need him, and helps make everything clear and quick. 100% recommended."
Luisa
Do I still have to pay the ticket if I get certified?
Yes. The city says the ticket stands because the violation existed when it was issued. If you believe it was issued in error, for example because you already had a valid certificate, file an appeal within 30 days.
Will I keep getting tickets?
The city can keep citing a property until it's compliant, and it can escalate beyond civil tickets. Getting the certificate is how you stop it.
How fast can you come out?
Usually within a few days. Mention the ticket when you book and we'll prioritize you.
What if the assessment finds lead hazards?
The city expects progress on the fixes within 90 days. That can mean hiring a contractor, applying for a repair grant, or completing the work. We'll explain exactly what was found and what the city expects.
Do you work outside Cleveland?
Yes. We serve Cleveland and all of Cuyahoga County, including Cleveland Heights, which has its own lead-safe program.
Book your lead risk assessment today, or call and we'll walk you through it.
