All applications for the Lead Safe Certification must be submitted via the Citizen Access Portal. The following information is provided by the City to help you use the portal.
Know Before you Get Started
You will need the following information to complete the Lead Safe Certification process:
| 1. Rental Registration Number. You can search for this on the Citizen Access Portal. For help searching on the Citizen Access Portal, use this Search Guide. |
| 2. Parcel # and Year Built (properties built after 1978 do not require certification). To find your parcel # and year built: Cuyahoga County MyPlace |
| 3. Applicable for rental properties only. Owner-occupied units are exempt and require a Lead Safe Exemption Affidavit |
| 4. Email address of property owner and risk assessor |
5. Inspection Type:
|
| 6. Risk Assessment Report and any supporting documentation. This could be photos, auditor information, cleared Lead Hazard Control Ordinance from the Health Department. |
| 7. If the property was cleaned or remediated before the inspection. The contractor name and Lead Firm Certification # is required. |
Have Questions?
For questions regarding the process of obtaining your Lead Safe Certificate, contact:
- Phone: 216.664.2274
- Email: LeadCertCLE@Clevelandohio.gov
Start the Submission Process Here
Submission Help
Watch this video of the process to submit an application in the Citizen Access Portal.
OR download a PDF guide.
FAQs
What properties must be certified?
Rental property owners with units built before 1978 must obtain a Lead Safe Certification or an exemption.
- Owner-occupied properties do not need to be certified.
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee to apply for the Lead Safe Certification.
What's the best way to search for a property in the Citizen Access Portal?
The easiest way to search in the Citizen Access Portal is by the Parcel number. For help, use this Search Guide.
How do I get a Rental Registration #?
- From the property owner
- You can do a search in the Citizen Access Portal without an account
Can I look up the certification status of a property?
You can search the Citizen Access Portal. No account is required. It's easiest to search by a parcel number.
- Download the search tutorial
- Watch the video tutorial
How do I find a parcel number?
You can find your parcel number on Cuyahoga County MyPlace
- You can search by address or owner of the property.
- Pro tip: Use this time to find the year your property was built at the same time.
How do I find the year a property was built?
You can find the year your property was built on Cuyahoga County MyPlace
- You can search by address or owner of the property.
- Pro tip: Use this time to find the parcel number at the same time.
Will the City accept incomplete applications?
Only complete submissions will be considered for compliance with the Lead Safe Certification Law. The Department of Building & Housing will respond to incomplete applications by citing the deficiencies and providing a limited amount of time to correct the deficiencies.
Who submits?
- Risk Assessors usually submit the application. Be sure to include the property owner's email so they receive all communications and a copy of the certificate
- Property owners maybe also submit if they have all of the documentation.
What does the City need me to do?
The City begins the process of lead certification by reviewing a lead risk assessment. Risk assessors should use this template, which is adapted from the Ohio Department of Health lead risk assessment form, to ensure that their information is complete.
Only complete submissions will be considered for compliance with the Lead Safe Certification Law. The Department of Building & Housing will respond to incomplete applications by citing the deficiencies and providing a limited amount of time to correct the deficiency.
Understanding the Role of Risk Assessors
What you are allowed to do with your license:
The Ohio Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program ensures that the public receives safe and proper lead abatement, detection and analytical services. The program licenses and regulates the professional activities of lead risk assessors, lead abatement contractors, lead abatement workers, lead inspectors, lead project designers, and clearance technicians in accordance with state law and regulations.
The Ohio Department of Health has provided the following information related to acceptable use of contractors for the City of Cleveland’s lead certification program:
| Hazard control following a Risk Assessment | US EPA Certified Renovation Firm | ODH Licensed Abatement Contractor | Clearance |
| No hazards identified by risk assessor | Permitted | Permitted | Clearance Technician, Inspector, or Risk Assessor |
| Interim Controls only | Permitted | Permitted | Clearance Technician, Inspector, or Risk Assessor |
| Interim Controls followed by Lead Abatement or Lead Abatement followed by Interim Controls | See Below2 | Required | Inspector or Risk Assessor |
| Lead Abatement | Not permitted | Required | Inspector or Risk Assessor |
Interim controls mean a set of measures designed to temporarily reduce human exposure or likely human exposure to lead hazards. Interim controls include specialized cleaning, repairs, painting, temporary containment, ongoing lead hazard maintenance activities, and the establishment and operation of management and resident education programs.
Lead abatement means a measure or a set of measures, designed for the single purpose of permanently eliminating lead hazards. Lead abatement includes all the following:
- Removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust. This includes stripping or scraping paint from the surface and repainting.
- Permanent enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint. Examples of enclosure are installation of drywall over lead coated surfaces or wrapping and siding exterior lead painted surfaces. Encapsulation if the application of an ODH approved liquid coating to seal lead coated surfaces.
- Replacement of surfaces or fixtures painted with lead-based paint such as windows, door and trim work.
- Removal or permanent covering of lead-contaminated soil.
- Preparation, cleanup, and disposal activities associated with lead abatement.
Note: Only an ODH licensed lead abatement contractor can perform interim controls and lead hazard abatement simultaneously.
