Section 8 & CMHA Landlords
If your unit failed HQS for lead paint, CMHA holds your HAP payments until a passing clearance is on file, and the clock is 30 days. We are the independent licensed assessor who gets your unit cleared fast.
Independent licensed assessor | Fast dust-wipe clearance | All of Cuyahoga County
When a unit fails its inspection for lead paint, the cost of waiting adds up quickly. Here is what is on the line.
CMHA cannot release your Housing Assistance Payment until the unit passes a compliant lead clearance. Every week without it is rent you are not collecting.
You have 30 days to submit complete clearance documentation. Miss it and your subsidy stays on hold.
In elevated blood lead cases a missed deadline can cancel the contract, and CMHA does not pay back the subsidy held during the delay.
Why landlords call us
CMHA requires the clearance assessor to be independent. The licensed assessor cannot work under the same firm that did the lead repairs. So even after your RRP contractor fixes the paint, you still need a separate provider to test the unit and produce the clearance report. That is exactly what we do.
We do not perform the repairs, so we can legally perform your clearance. A licensed lead risk assessor tests the unit and documents the result.
We know your HAP is on hold and the 30-day clock is running, so we schedule quickly and turn your report around fast.
CMHA will not release your subsidy without a complete, passing clearance package. We provide the assessor-side documents:
Lead Hazard Control Visual Clearance Report
Certificate of Analysis for the dust-wipe samples we collect and send to an accredited lab.
Clearance Examination Report confirming the unit passed.
Your RRP contractor provides the repair-side documents (EPA pre-renovation form, RRP certification, Lead-Safe firm certification). Together they make the complete package CMHA needs.
The process
Clearance is triggered when a pre-1978 unit with a child under 6 fails for paint above the de minimis level, or when a child's elevated blood lead level is reported.
An HQS inspection finds deteriorated paint above the de minimis level in a pre-1978 unit with a young child.
Your EPA-certified RRP contractor corrects the paint using lead-safe work practices.
As the independent assessor, we do the visual clearance and dust-wipe sampling, then lab-analyze the results.
File the complete clearance package with CMHA within 30 days and your HAP subsidy is released.
Straightforward, and priced for a single-unit clearance after a failed inspection.
Lead clearance examination
$300 / unit
Visual clearance, dust-wipe sampling and lab analysis, and the clearance examination report CMHA requires.
Need a full risk assessment instead? See our pricing page for Essential and Comprehensive options.
5-star rated
★★★★★
"Absolutely professional people, kept us aware each step of the way. I called the city and they highly respected this firm, that was reassuring. If we need again it would be the only company I would call."
Mark
★★★★★
"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."
Joseph
★★★★★
"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
When does CMHA require a lead clearance?
When a unit built before 1978 with a child under 6 fails inspection for paint above the de minimis level, or when a child's elevated blood lead level is reported. Clearance is required before CMHA releases the subsidy.
Can my repair contractor do the clearance too?
No. CMHA requires the clearance assessor to be independent and unable to work under the same firm that did the repairs. We are that independent provider.
How fast can you get me cleared?
We schedule quickly and turn the report around fast, because we know your HAP is on hold and you are working against a 30-day deadline.
What documents do you provide?
The Lead Hazard Control Visual Clearance Report, the Certificate of Analysis for the dust-wipe samples, and the Clearance Examination Report. Your RRP contractor supplies the repair-side paperwork.
What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?
Your subsidy stays on hold, and in elevated blood lead cases the contract can be cancelled with no backpay for the held period. Moving fast is what protects your income.
Do you serve all of Cuyahoga County?
Yes. We cover all of Cuyahoga County and the surrounding Northeast Ohio communities.
Book your independent lead clearance today, or call us with any questions about the CMHA process.
