In 2021, Cleveland began enforcing a new law aimed at making rental homes safer for families, especially young children. Under this ordinance, any rental unit built before 1978 must get a Lead Safe Certification. The idea is that older homes are likely to have lead-based paint, which was outlawed for residential use in 1978.

The certification process works like this:

• Property owners must hire certified professionals to assess whether lead hazards (like peeling paint, lead dust, or bare soil) are present.

• If hazards are found, they must be fixed (remediated), then a “clearance” test must show the unit is free from identified lead hazards.

• Once a unit passes, the owner gets a certification that lasts two years. After that, the unit must be re‐certified.

Why this matters — hazards of lead paint for children

Lead paint may seem like an “old house” issue, but its effects can be serious. Here’s what lead exposure from paint can do, especially to kids:

• Damage to brain development — even small amounts of lead can lower IQ, make it harder for kids to pay attention, and cause learning and behavior problems.

• Physical health risks — lead poisoning can cause slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia. Very high exposures can lead to seizures or serious brain injury.

• Strong effect on younger children — because kids under 6 are still growing quickly and tend to put things in their mouths, they absorb lead more easily and are more vulnerable to its harmful effects. Even prenatal exposure (in utero) can cause problems.

For Homeowners & Contractors

If you’re planning renovations, repairs, or painting in a home built before 1978, it’s important to know that disturbing old paint can release toxic lead dust. Even small jobs — like sanding, scraping, or replacing windows — can spread lead dust throughout a house. This dust is invisible, easy to inhale or swallow, and is one of the main ways children are poisoned.

The City of Cleveland’s Lead Safe Certification law (2021) reinforces the need for safe work practices. Contractors working on older homes must follow EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rules, which require trained workers, containment of dust, and proper cleanup. For homeowners, that means always hiring certified professionals who understand how to work lead-safe. Doing the job right not only keeps your family safe but also protects you from liability and ensures your property complies with the law.