Required Lead Safe Certification at Rental Units Underway

May 27, 2021

Cleveland City Council passed legislation in July 2019 with the aim to make homes built before 1978 lead safe for families and especially young children, who can be severely and permanently damaged from lead poisoning.
 
The legislation was written to give the city’s Department of Building and Housing time to build up the rules and processes and gave Cleveland landlords time to proactively make their rental units lead safe. The year 1978 was chosen because that was the when lead-based paint was outlawed for residential use.
 
Since March 31, 2021, owners of residential rental units built before 1978 in certain zip codes are required to receive a Lead Safe Certifications. 

Phased in quarterly, by zip code between March 2021 and March 2023. All units must have a lead-safe certification by March 31, 2023. First group of zip codes was due March 2021, with another group due each quarter. After all eight groups are certified, the cycle repeats.

To get the certification, the property owner must provide to Cleveland’s Director of Building and Housing a copy of a clearance examination or a lead risk assessment. Inspections are performed by private, state-certified professionals, showing that lead hazards were not identified in the unit.
 
There are resources for landlords on every aspect of making your rentals lead safe, including financial help and advice. But there is also information for homeowners and renters in ensuring children aren’t exposed to lead-based dust, peeling paint and more. There’s also information on getting children tested for lead poisoning.
 
Cleveland, as well as area non-profits and foundations have funded a Lead Safe Resource Center and a Lead Safe Home Fund that provides financial support to owners. More funding is needed and is being raised.
 
To find out more, including the upcoming deadlines for more zip codes where rentals built before 1978 need certificates, go to: Lead Poisoning Prevention | Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition