November 20, 2025
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For properties built before 1978, which make up a significant portion of the Toledo rental market, managing lead-based paint is a serious, non-negotiable legal and safety responsibility.
If you own an older home in Lucas County, you must comply with the federal Lead Disclosure Rule and the strict Toledo Lead Safe Ordinance, which mandates inspection and certification.
Falling out of compliance is a severe financial risk, with fines reaching $50 per day and penalties up to $10,000 per year.
At Buckeye Northwest Realty, we specialize in managing this risk. Our trained team handles essential, non-invasive Lead-Safe Work Practices (LSWP) in-house, ensuring tenant safety and asset protection without triggering unnecessary, large-scale abatement projects.
1. The Compliance Mandate: More Than Just a Disclosure
In Toledo, simply giving the tenant a pamphlet is not enough.
- Federal Requirement (Disclosure): Before any tenant signs a lease for a pre-1978 property, federal law (Title X) requires disclosure of any known lead-based paint hazards and the EPA pamphlet, “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”.
- Toledo Lead Safe Ordinance: This local ordinance requires all residential rental units (up to four units, built before 1978) to be inspected and obtain a Lead Safe Certificate. This often involves a visual assessment and dust sampling (averaging around $400 per unit for the clearance exam).
- RRP Rule: The EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires that any maintenance that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes must be performed by certified individuals and firms following specific lead-safe work practices.
2. Our In-House Capability: Lead-Safe Work Practices (LSWP)
Our in-house maintenance team is trained in Lead-Safe Work Practices (LSWP) to manage everyday wear and tear and stabilize deteriorated paint. This is crucial for keeping your Lead Safe Certificate valid.
We focus on Interim Controls, measures designed to temporarily reduce lead hazards, which do not require a licensed lead abatement contractor.
| Action We Perform In-House | Purpose & Safety Compliance |
|---|---|
| Paint Stabilization | Sealing, treating, or covering small areas of peeling, chipping, or deteriorated paint to prevent dust and chips. This is a core part of ongoing lead-safe maintenance. |
| Specialized Cleaning | Wet cleaning the work area using HEPA vacuums and specialized wipes to remove lead-contaminated dust after maintenance work. |
| Minor Repair/Enclosure | Repairing small holes or covering small surfaces (like window sills or door frames) with durable materials to prevent contact with lead paint dust. |
| Post-Work Verification | Conducting a thorough visual assessment of the work area to ensure no dust or debris remains before re-occupancy. |
3. When Certification is Required: Abatement & Third-Party Experts
There are specific projects that go beyond LSWP and legally require a state-licensed Lead Abatement Contractor. We strictly adhere to this separation of work to protect the owner from massive fines.
- Abatement: This is work designed for the single purpose of permanently eliminating lead hazards (e.g., removing contaminated soil, complete removal of lead paint, or permanent encapsulation).
- Major Renovation: Projects that disturb large areas of paint (over 6 square feet inside or 20 square feet outside) must use RRP-certified firms, who may be contracted externally.
- Testing/Clearance: We always coordinate third-party Licensed Lead Inspectors for initial testing and post-maintenance Clearance Examinations (averaging around $400 in Toledo) to legally certify the unit is safe.
4. Protecting Your Asset and Your Tenants
Proactive lead management is the only way to protect your long-term investment value.
- Financial Shield: Our systematic maintenance plan prevents small areas of peeling paint from escalating into major abatement requirements, shielding you from potential $30,000+ fines and lawsuits.
- Tenant Safety: By performing scheduled LSWP and post-maintenance cleaning, we ensure a safer living environment, fulfilling your duty to maintain a fit and habitable unit and reducing the risk of lead poisoning, particularly in households with young children.
Ready to manage your older Toledo property with confidence and compliance?
Trust the local experts who understand Toledo’s Lead Safe Ordinance inside and out.
Contact us today at buckeyenw.com/contact
or call us at (419) 385-5555
to discuss a compliant maintenance strategy!
Disclaimer: The following content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All work disturbing paint in pre-1978 homes must comply with EPA RRP rules and the Toledo Lead Safe Ordinance.
