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What lead paint rules apply to landlords in Cleveland?
Short answer
Pre-1978 rentals: Lead Safe Certificate, valid 2 years; re-apply within the 30 days before it expires
When: Every 2 years from the certificate issue date; apply within the 30 days before it expires
Each rental unit built before 1978 needs a Lead Safe Certificate, based on a lead risk assessment completed within 90 days before you submit it. The certificate lasts two years from issuance; re-apply no earlier than 30 days before it expires.
"A lead-safe certification is valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance. No earlier than thirty (30) days prior to expiration, an owner shall re-apply for a lead-safe certification by providing the necessary documentation as set forth in this section." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"within ninety (90) days prior to the date of submission evidencing that lead hazards were not identified in the unit." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"Rental properties built before 1978 must obtain a Lead Safe Certification or an Exemption. Owner-occupied properties do not need to be certified." clevelandohio.gov
Pre-1978 rentals: Lead Safe Certificate, valid 2 years; re-apply within the 30 days before it expires Verified
Deadline: Every 2 years from the certificate issue date; apply within the 30 days before it expires
Each rental unit built before 1978 needs a Lead Safe Certificate, based on a lead risk assessment completed within 90 days before you submit it. The certificate lasts two years from issuance; re-apply no earlier than 30 days before it expires.
Who it covers: Since October 18, 2024 the City requires a lead risk assessment (not just a clearance exam) to start certification. Alternative: 20-year exemption with a comprehensive risk assessment and paint inspection showing abatement. Vacant units with no rent received: file an annual affidavit instead. No application fee.
"A lead-safe certification is valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance. No earlier than thirty (30) days prior to expiration, an owner shall re-apply for a lead-safe certification by providing the necessary documentation as set forth in this section." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"within ninety (90) days prior to the date of submission evidencing that lead hazards were not identified in the unit." codelibrary.amlegal.com
"Rental properties built before 1978 must obtain a Lead Safe Certification or an Exemption. Owner-occupied properties do not need to be certified." clevelandohio.gov
"starting October 18, 2024, the city started to require lead risk assessments instead of allowing clearance exams to initiate a lead safe certificate." clevelandohio.gov
"There is no fee for application and certification must be renewed every two years from the date of initial certification." clevelandohio.gov
Notes: Cleveland Codified Ordinances 365.04; Department of Public Health and Building & Housing lead-safe pages; Lead Safe Certificate FAQ (Executive Order 2024-03).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Federal lead disclosure rules that also apply
These apply to housing built before 1978 in every state, on top of the rules above.