The Toledo Lead Safe program helps reduce lead hazards to protect the health of children and families.
The program requires residential rental properties with 1-4 units built before 1978 to meet lead-safe standards and receive a Lead-Safe Certificate.
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Property owners are responsible for maintaining residential rentals (1-4 units) in a lead-safe condition and meeting City certification requirements.
Learn more about the Lead Safe requirementsThe Lead-Safe Toledo program helps protect residents from lead hazards in residential rentals (1-4 units).
Learn more about what tenants can doLead professionals help property owners meet City lead-safe standards through inspections and approved work practices.
Learn more about the City's Lead Inspector CertificationLead Safe Certification
A Lead Safe Certificate verifies that a rental property meets the City's lead safety standards. To qualify, a property must pass a visual inspection and lead dust clearance testing performed by a local lead inspector.
Certification Requirements
To receive a certification, property owners must:
- complete a lead clearance exam
- correct identified hazards
- submit required documentation
- pay applicable fees
Lead Dust Testing
Lead dust is often invisible and cannot be identified through a visual inspection alone. Dust wipe sampling is the accepted method used by health departments and the EPA to determine whether lead dust is present at unsafe levels.
| Surface | Clearance Level |
|---|---|
| Floors | 10 micrograms per sq. ft. |
| Window Wells | 100 micrograms per sq. ft. |
| Window Sills | 100 micrograms per sq. ft. |
| Exterior Living Areas | 40 micrograms per sq. ft. |
Types of Lead Hazard Control
Lead Abatement
- permanently removes lead hazards
- may include component replacement, removal, or permanent enclosure by a certified lead abatement contractor
- eligible for 20 year certificate
Interim Controls
- Reduces lead hazards but does not permanently eliminate them
- may include paint stabilization, specialized cleaning, and repairs
- eligible for 5 year certificate
Compliance
Property owners should keep records related to inspections, repairs, and certification.
Enforcement
The City may:
- inspect rental properties for compliance
- review or reject insufficient lead clearance exam reports
- issue notices of violation for non-compliance
- refer the property owner to housing court
Rental properties must meet requirements on a phased timeline based on location and risk level.
Lead Safe Certificate and Compliance Map
Grants and Financial Assistance
The City offers programs that may help eligible property owners reduce the cost of lead hazard remediation.
Assistance may include:
- matching grants
- reimbursement programs
- lead hazard control funding
- technical assistance