Lead-based paint, the most common source of lead exposure for children in Cleveland, was banned in 1978. Yet, over 90% of rental properties in Cleveland were built before that year, making it highly likely that many rental units still contain lead.
Being lead safe is a proactive approach—it means ensuring homes do not pose a lead risk before a child can be exposed. A home is considered lead safe when identified lead hazards have been controlled, keeping the level of leaded dust below the limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This doesn’t mean all lead is gone, but it does mean the home is no longer hazardous.
To protect children from lead poisoning, the City of Cleveland requires residential rental units built before 1978 to obtain a Lead Safe Certification. To receive this certification, property owners must have their units evaluated and pass a Lead Risk Assessment conducted by a State Licensed Risk Assessor.
