Cleveland Codified Ordinance Chapter 240, enacted in 2019, requires owners of pre-1978 rental units to obtain Lead Safe Certification through visual inspection and dust-wipe sampling, with enforcement coordinated by the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
Under Cleveland Codified Ordinance Chapter 240, all rental properties built before 1978 must obtain a Lead Safe Certificate before occupancy. Owners hire EPA-certified lead risk assessors or licensed lead inspectors who perform visual assessments and dust-wipe testing of windowsills, floors, and entryways. Properties passing receive a certificate valid up to two years. Failed properties must remediate using lead-safe work practices and retest. The Cleveland Lead Safe Coalition, the Cleveland Department of Public Health, and CHN Housing Partners administer compliance, financial assistance, and training. Exemptions exist for newer or fully remediated structures.
Operating uncertified pre-1978 rentals violates Chapter 240, with fines per unit, possible court-ordered escrow of rent, prosecution in Cleveland Housing Court, and listing on the city public noncompliance registry.
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