Toledo has one of Ohios strictest local lead-safe laws. TMC Chapter 1767 requires rental properties built before 1978 to obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate. Enforced by the Department of Neighborhoods and Lucas County Health.
Toledo City Council adopted the Lead-Safe Ordinance (originally TMC Chapter 1767) in 2020 after legal challenges and compromise with the rental industry. Key requirements: residential rental dwellings built before 1978 must obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate demonstrating the absence of lead hazards, based on a visual inspection and dust clearance testing performed by an Ohio-licensed Lead Inspector, Lead Risk Assessor, or Lead Clearance Technician. Certificates are valid for 6 years. Rental registration under TMC 1760 and lead-safe compliance are linked; non-compliance can block registration and collection of rent. The ordinance scope covers 1- to 4-unit rentals and was phased in by zip code. Federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule under EPA still applies to any work disturbing lead paint. State law Ohio Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program sets clinical case investigation standards. Toledo and Lucas County Health rank among the highest childhood lead poisoning rates in Ohio, driving aggressive enforcement. Violations can trigger unsafe-to-occupy orders.
No lead-safe certificate on pre-1978 rental: TMC 1767 citation, fines up to 150 dollars per day, rental registration denial. EPA RRP violations: federal fines up to 37,500 dollars per day. Tenant civil actions available for lead injury.
See how Toledo's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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