Cleveland City Council updates lead hazard safety regulations for rental units

Cleveland's Health, Human Services and the Arts Committee convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding lead safety regulations in rental properties. A significant decision was made to streamline the certification process for lead safety, which is vital for protecting residents, especially children, from lead exposure.

In 2019, the city implemented the LEHI Safe law, requiring rental units to obtain either a clearance examination report or a lead risk assessment to confirm the absence of lead hazards. This certification is valid for two years. However, following a review of data from the initial years of the law's implementation, the committee announced a shift in October 2024. The city now primarily accepts lead risk assessments, which provide a more comprehensive evaluation of lead hazards compared to clearance exams.

During the meeting, officials clarified that while both assessments are still accepted, clearance exams will only be valid if conducted after abatement or renovation work has been completed. This change aligns with recommendations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Ohio Department of Health, emphasizing the importance of thorough risk assessments in identifying lead hazards.

The committee acknowledged the challenges this transition poses for the LEHI Safe worker community, many of whom will need additional certification to conduct lead risk assessments. This adjustment aims to enhance the safety of Cleveland's rental housing stock and ensure that residents are better protected from the dangers of lead exposure.

As the city moves forward with these changes, the committee remains committed to improving public health outcomes and ensuring that Cleveland's housing is safe for all residents. The next steps will involve further training for workers and continued monitoring of lead safety practices in the community.