Lakewood has one of Ohio's strictest lead-safe rental laws. Codified Ordinance Chapter 1333 requires all rental units built before 1978 to obtain a Lead-Safe Certification. Non-compliant units cannot be rented.
Lakewood adopted its Lead-Safe Certification Program requiring visual inspection and dust wipe testing by a licensed lead risk assessor for pre-1978 rentals. Certification valid for 20 years unless disturbance occurs. Landlords must provide certification to tenants and register with the city. The program parallels and exceeds federal EPA RRP rule and ORC 3742 requirements. Cleveland and Lakewood were among Ohio's first cities to adopt proactive lead-safe certification.
Renting without certification: C.O. 1333.99 first-degree misdemeanor, up to $1,000 per day. Rental license revocation. Civil liability for child lead poisoning exposure.
See how other cities in Cuyahoga County handle lead paint.
See how Lakewood's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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