Lead Paint: Cleveland vs Lakewood
How do lead paint rules compare between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH?
Cleveland and Lakewood have similar restriction levels.
Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga County
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.
View full Cleveland rules →Lakewood, OH
Cuyahoga County
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.
View full Lakewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cleveland | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Ch. 240 | - |
| Pre-1978 rentals | Covered | - |
| Certificate validity | Up to two years | - |
| Adopted | 2019 | - |
| Code | - | Lakewood C.O. 1333 Lead-Safe Program |
| Trigger | - | Pre-1978 rentals |
| Certification | - | Licensed risk assessor required |
| Valid | - | 20 years |
| State Law | - | ORC Chapter 3742 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cleveland FAQ
Does my Cleveland rental need a Lead Safe Certificate?
Yes if it was built before 1978 and is offered for residential rent. Newer or fully remediated units may qualify for exemption under Chapter 240.
Who inspects for Lead Safe Certification?
EPA-certified lead risk assessors or licensed lead inspectors perform visual checks and dust-wipe sampling, with results filed with Cleveland Public Health.
Lakewood FAQ
Can I rent my Lakewood pre-1978 home without lead certification?
No. Lakewood requires Lead-Safe Certification for all pre-1978 rentals. Renting without it is a first-degree misdemeanor with up to $1,000 daily fines.
Who enforces this in Lakewood?
Lakewood at (216) 529-4000 handles most complaints.
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