Pittsburgh, PA Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Who can request
- Any resident who owns or rents
- Cost
- Free lead hazard inspection
- Covered buildings
- Built before January 1, 1978
- Retaliation protection
- Rebuttable presumption if evicted within 90 days
- Administering agency
- Dept. of Permits, Licenses and Inspections
Summary
Pittsburgh renters and owners of pre-1978 rental dwellings can request a free lead hazard inspection from the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections, and landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who use it.
The Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspection shall establish and maintain a system whereby City residents who own or rent a dwelling may request and obtain a free lead hazard inspection of their home which satisfies the minimum inspection requirements set forth in subsection (b). The results of any such lead hazard inspection shall be provided in writing to the person who requested the inspection and, for any rental dwelling, to the property owner or the property owner's duly authorized agent.
(d) Remediation of Lead-Based Hazards and Enforcement.
(1) Any bare soil, deteriorated paint surface or lead dust hazard identified in an inspection required by this Section shall be remedied by the property owner using properly certified lead professionals in accordance with applicable provisions of federal law, state law and the City Code and the "Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing" issued by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(2)
Full Breakdown
Under Pittsburgh Code § 782.01, the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections must maintain a system letting any City resident who owns or rents a home built before January 1, 1978 request a free lead hazard inspection covering bare soil, deteriorated paint, and lead dust wipe sampling. Results go in writing to the requester and, for rental units, to the owner or agent. Landlords may not retaliate, and evicting a tenant within 90 days of a lead inspection creates a rebuttable presumption of unlawful retaliation under § 782.01(e). PLI enforces remediation under § 1001.10 of the Building Title.
Violations & Fines
Failing to correct an identified lead hazard, or retaliating against a tenant who requests or receives a lead inspection, is enforced under § 1001.10 of the Building Title's property maintenance provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a free lead inspection in Pittsburgh?
Can my landlord evict me for requesting a lead inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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