Lead Safe Certification and Rental Registration Update
!Due to the high volume of applications, approval for Lead Safe Certification and Rental Registration will be delayed.
If you applied for a Lead Safe Certificate but have not obtained one yet, we ask that you still complete the Rental Registration application. If your application is complete besides the Lead Safe Certificate, the deadline to provide the Lead Safe Certificate will be extended until the City is current in processing applications.
For support submitting Lead Safe Certificate applications, visit the Lead Safe Certification Application page.
For support registering your rental property, follow the steps in this Rental Registration guide.
To upload your Lead Safe Certificate after you completed your Rental Registration, follow the steps in this document.
Who Needs to Apply?
All owners of non-owner-occupied residential properties are required to register. The fee is $70 per unit and includes all properties that the owner is not living in. This may include units occupied by family members and friends even if nothing of value is received in exchange for using the property.
For more information for landlords, read the Residents First Landlord Information document.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the Citizens Access Portal. Follow these guidelines to Apply for a Rental Registration.
Citizen Access Portal
Your access to government services online including Rental Registration,
Lead Safe Certification and record searches.
Document Requirements
Even if you currently do not have all the required documents, please complete the Rental Registration application. You can use your custom receipt to prove you applied. You will receive your Certificate Approving Rental Occupancy once you submit all your documents.
| Document | Document is Needed For | How to Get It? |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Statement | All applications. | Cuyahoga County My Place |
| Lead Safe Certificate (Issued by the City of Cleveland) | Rental units built before 1978. | Submitting a Lead Safe Certificate Application |
| Ohio Secretary of State Certificate | Rental properties owned by an LLC. | Ohio Certificate of Good Standing Application |
| Local Agent in Charge | Owners who are NOT located in Cuyahoga, Summit, Lake, Portage, Medina, Lorain, or Geauga County. | |
| HVAC Certificate / Inspection | Rental properties with 4 or more units. | Hire a certified HVAC Inspector and have them fill out this Certification of Rental Unit Heating System form. |
| Utility Bills | Owners who pay rental utilities. | From your provider. |
For more information, visit the Residents First Rental Properties webpage.
How to Upload Documents After Submitting an Application
Use this guide to upload additional documents in the Citizen Access Portal.
Waiting on Your Lead Safe Certificate?
We understand that many property owners have applied for Lead Safe Certification and are waiting to receive the certificate. You might not receive your Lead Safe Certificate before the Rental Registration deadline. If your Rental Registration application is complete besides the Lead Safe Certificate, the deadline to provide the Lead Safe Certificate will be extended until the City is current in processing applications.
If you need proof that you applied for rental registration, you can use the custom receipt you received via email after you paid your registration fee.
Please upload the Lead Safe Certificate once it is issued and we send your Certificate Approving Rental Occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my property every year?
Yes, you are required to register your property and provide new documents every year.
Can I register my non-owner-occupied residential property online?
Yes. Visit the Citizens Access Portal. Follow these guideline to Apply for a Rental Registration.
Can I register if I do not have all the required documents?
Yes, please submit an application and pay the rental registration fees. You will be issued a receipt that verifies payment. After submitting all the required documentation, you will be sent a Certificate Approving Rental Occupancy.
How do I upload documents after submitting my initial application?
Return to the Citizens Access Portal. Follow these steps to Upload Documents After Applying.
When can I apply?
For annual renewal applications, you can apply any time after January 1st. All fees must be paid by March 31st. For new applications, you can apply throughout the year. Rentals must be registered before tenants occupy the property.
What method of payments are accepted on the online portal?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and ACH check transactions.
What if I do not apply for and receive a Certificate Approving Rental Occupancy?
The Certificate Approving Rental Occupancy is required to rent in good standing with the City of Cleveland. Failure to obtain a Certificate Approving Rental Occupancy may lead to civil or criminal enforcement action against the owner or Local-Agent-in-Charge.
What if my residential unit is vacant?
If the unit is vacant, you must complete a Vacant Property Registration instead of a Rental Registration. Use these instructions to Register a Vacant Property.
Can I upload my lead risk assessment to my rental registration?
No. Lead risk assessments need to be submitted with an application for a Lead Safe Certificate. You must upload the Lead Safe Certificate to your rental registration.
What is a Local Agent-in-Charge (LAIC)?
A LAIC is someone who has the authority and responsibility to upkeep a rental property the same way an owner does. The LAIC must live in Cuyahoga County or one of the neighboring counties. A LAIC may be held legally responsible for any code compliance issues at a property in cases where the owner does not take responsibility.
For more information, read the Local Agent in Charge Overview.
Who is required to have a Local Agent-in-Charge (LAIC) and how do I notify the City?
A LAIC is required when the owner lives outside of Cuyahoga County or any adjacent county. An affidavit must be completed, notarized, signed by both parties and uploaded to the Citizen Access Portal prior to the issuance of the Certificate Approving Rental Occupancy. The LAIC Affidavit Form is available on the Residents First webpage.
Can the City of Cleveland help me obtain a Local Agent-in-Charge?
No. The City of Cleveland cannot provide legal advice or a list of potential local agents.