Cook County, IL Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Mitigation deadline (child/pregnant present)
- 30 days
- Mitigation deadline (no child/pregnant)
- 90 days
- First-offense fine
- $100–$500 per day
- Third-offense fine
- $500–$1,000/day, up to 6 months jail
- Enforcing agency
- Cook County Dept. of Public Health
Summary
Cook County Department of Public Health can inspect rental units, order lead hazard mitigation within 30 or 90 days, and require lease disclosure: applying countywide outside Chicago and other delegate health agencies.
When a Mitigation Notice is issued for a Regulated Facility inspected as a result of an Elevated Blood Lead Level in a pregnant person or a Child, or if the Regulated Facility is occupied by a Child six years of age or younger or a pregnant person, the Owner shall mitigate the Lead Hazard within 30 days of receiving the Mitigation Notice. When no such Child or pregnant person occupies the Regulated Facility, the Owner shall complete the Lead Mitigation within 90 days.
Full Breakdown
Cook County's Lead Poisoning Prevention Ordinance (Ch. 38, Art. X) makes it every rental owner's duty to maintain the unit so no Lead Hazard exists. After a child or pregnant occupant tests with an elevated blood lead level, CCDPH inspects and, upon finding a hazard, serves a Mitigation Notice: the owner must complete mitigation within 30 days if a young child or pregnant person occupies the unit, or 90 days otherwise, and post warnings in common areas. Before renewing or signing a lease on a unit under a Mitigation Notice, the owner must give the tenant the notice and inspection report with a signed receipt, or obtain a Certificate of Compliance. Pre-1978 rentals require a lead-hazard brochure before any lease.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $100–$500 per day per violation; a third offense within two years jumps to $500–$1,000 per day plus up to six months in jail. CCDPH can also issue stop-work orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my rental in Chicago?
What must I give tenants if my unit had a lead hazard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois building safety overview
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