Cleveland’s fight against childhood lead poisoning is showing real results. On February 9, 2026, the City presented an update to Council on the Lead Safe Certification program — and the numbers tell an encouraging story.

Lead Poisoning Rates Are Dropping

The most important takeaway: fewer Cleveland kids are being poisoned by lead. The percentage of children under 6 testing with elevated blood lead levels (5+ µg/dL) has fallen steadily since the Lead Safe Law took effect in 2021. In the most recent data, the citywide rate dropped to its lowest point yet, continuing a trend that’s been building year over year.

The City credits the Lead Safe Certification program as a key driver. Since launching, the program has completed over 18,000 lead safe inspections and issued thousands of Lead Safe Certificates. Properties that go through the inspection and remediation process are keeping kids safer — the data backs that up.

What the Lead Safe Program Has Accomplished

Here’s a snapshot of where the program stands today:

• Over 18,000 inspections completed since the program launched
• Thousands of rental properties now hold valid Lead Safe Certificates
• A dedicated team of inspectors and staff processing hundreds of inspections per month
• Exposed lead hazards identified and remediated across the city’s aging housing stock
• Compliance rates among rental property owners continue to climb

The program targets Cleveland’s pre-1978 rental housing — the properties most likely to contain lead paint. Landlords are required to obtain a Lead Safe Certificate showing their property has been inspected and any lead hazards have been addressed.

Proposed Amendments to the 2019 Lead Safe Law

The presentation also outlined six proposed amendments to strengthen the existing law:

1. Expanding Coverage to Include Condominiums

The current law covers rental properties but not condominiums. The proposed change would bring condos into the program, closing a gap in coverage.

2. Updating Penalty Structures

The City is proposing updated fines and enforcement tools for non-compliant property owners to create stronger incentives for timely compliance.

3. Streamlining the Inspection Process

Proposed changes would make the inspection and certification process more efficient for both property owners and the City’s inspection team.

4. Strengthening Enforcement for Repeat Violators

Property owners with a pattern of non-compliance would face escalating consequences under the proposed amendments.

5. Improving Data Sharing Between Agencies

Better coordination between City departments, the County, and state agencies would help identify high-risk properties faster and track outcomes more effectively.

6. Clarifying Exemptions and Timelines

The amendments would clean up some of the existing language around exemptions and compliance timelines to reduce confusion for property owners.

What This Means for Property Owners

If you own rental property in Cleveland built before 1978, Lead Safe Certification isn’t optional — it’s the law. And with these proposed amendments, the program is only going to expand.

The good news is that compliance protects your tenants, protects your investment, and keeps you on the right side of the law. If you need a Lead Safe Inspection, clearance testing, or help understanding what’s required, PbFree Ohio can walk you through the entire process.

The Bottom Line

Cleveland’s Lead Safe Law is working. Kids are safer. But there’s more work to do, and the proposed amendments show the City is committed to closing gaps and strengthening the program. We’ll keep you updated as these changes move through Council.

Need help with Lead Safe Certification? Contact PbFree Ohio to schedule your inspection today.