Click Image to Enlarge

The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition was founded to address and prevent the issue of lead poisoning in the community. Beginning in March of 2021, the City of Cleveland's Department of Building and Housing began requiring that all residential rental units built before 1978 must have a Lead Safe Certification. With such a large portion of Cleveland homes having been built before that time period, we wanted to spread awareness on Lead Safe Certification and how this can be done. Here are the 6 Steps that the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition put together to become certified.

1. Contact the Resource Center

Not sure where to start and need help? Call the resource center at 833.601.5323, or email at lsrc@ehw.org

2. Check your property

According to leadsafecle.org, 90% of residential rental units in the city of Cleveland were built before 1978. Your property is very likely to be one of them!

Potential lead hazards include any area with deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp), especially those places that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as: windows & window sills, doors & door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, and porches.

3. Remediate any lead hazards

Contact a professional or complete the work yourself by becoming RRP certified.

4. Clean your property

Clean up any mess before receiving an inspection! All debris should be properly disposed of prior to receiving the inspection.

5. Get lead clearance

Schedule an inspection…and pass!

6. Apply for lead safety certification

Click here to fill out the application and officially become Lead Safe Certified!

Why is this important? Lead Safe Certification and the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition work hard to prevent the community from being affected by lead poisoning. By becoming certified, rental property owners can help contribute to a safer community and help prevent illness.

For a more detailed breakdown of each step as well as links to the required documents needed for certification, click here to visit Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition's website.