Lead Assessment Certification FAQs

All rental property owners with units built before 1978 are required to obtain Lead-Safe Certification in the City of Cleveland.

Owners should also verify lead requirements with the municipality where the property is located, as local ordinances may vary.

Lead-Safe Certification issued by the City of Cleveland is valid for two (2) years.

Rental properties must be reassessed and recertified every two years to remain compliant.

No.

A lead risk assessor’s role is to identify and document potential lead hazards, not to ensure a unit passes inspection.

Easy Lead Free cannot guarantee Lead-Safe Certification. Certification depends on the condition of the unit at the time of inspection.

 Typical turnaround time is approximately two weeks, which includes:

• 7–10 business days for laboratory results (when dust wipes are collected)
   
• Up to 3 business days to complete the final report after lab results are received
   

Yes

Environmental cleaning is strongly recommended prior to inspection to reduce lead dust and improve the likelihood of passing the visual assessment as well as lead labs.

We can provide referrals to environmental cleaning companies upon request.

If dust wipe laboratory results exceed allowable lead levels:

• The unit does not pass clearance at that time
   
• A lead hazard report is issued documenting the findings
   
• Environmental cleaning and/or corrective actions will be required
   

Once corrective actions are completed, a re-clearance assessment may be scheduled.

Laboratory fees and return visits are separate services and are not included in the initial deposit.

If a unit fails the visual assessment:

• The inspection cannot proceed to sampling
   
• The deposit is applied to the lead hazard reporting service
   
• A lead hazard report is issued documenting identified hazards
   

Owners will also receive:

• Written hazard findings
   
• Referrals to RRP-certified contractors
   
• The option to schedule a return visit once hazards are corrected
   

Deposits are non-refundable for failed or unready units.

 A unit may fail the visual assessment if any of the following are present:

• Chipped, peeling, or deteriorated paint (interior or exterior, including basements, porches, decks, and garages)
   
• Bare or exposed soil
   
• Visible dust buildup, especially on friction or impact surfaces
   
• Paint chips or debris anywhere in the unit or exterior areas
   

Deteriorated paint must be properly stabilized, and surfaces should be clean and dust-free prior to inspection.