The Cleveland Law
Cleveland began to see a growing need for lead hazard control due to the age of its housing. Children are especially prone to the affects of lead. The effect on children results from inhaling lead dust.
In 2019, the city of Cleveland passed Chapter 365 of the Ohio Code of Ordinances requiring residential rental units built before 1978 to be tested by a licensed inspector and certified lead safe.
The Cleveland Building and Housing Department Director Sally Martin O’Toole said: “…the city has begun fining landlords who don’t comply with the lead safe law. She said the city has issued 150 misdemeanor tickets and is hiring two prosecutors to focus on lead safe enforcement, (according to CLASH.)"
The City of Cleveland recently announced that all future lead safe certificates must be completed using a lead risk assessment approach. Lead clearance examinations will no longer be accepted. Visit this link for more information:
Now Required: Lead Risk Assessment
For more information about the law visit:
The City of Cleveland offers financial assistance to landlords in need. For more information visit: