What to Expect During a Lead Risk Assessment

If you have a lead risk assessment scheduled—or you are considering one—it helps to know what the process actually looks like. A risk assessment is not invasive or disruptive, but it is thorough. Here is a complete walkthrough of what happens before, during, and after the visit.

Before the Visit

Scheduling

Once you contact us to schedule, we will confirm a date and time that works for you and your tenants. Assessments are conducted on weekdays by appointment. For occupied units, we coordinate directly with you on tenant access—we do not show up unannounced.

Tenant Notification

If the property is tenant-occupied, the tenant should know the visit is happening. Ohio law requires reasonable notice for landlord access, and a lead risk assessment qualifies. A simple written notice to the tenant with the date and approximate time is sufficient. We can provide template language if that is helpful.

No Special Preparation Needed

There is no need to move furniture, clear out rooms, or do any deep cleaning before the assessment. The inspector works around the existing layout of the home. The only thing we ask is that we have access to all rooms, closets, and any common areas that are part of the unit. If there are areas that are locked or blocked off, let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. For a more detailed checklist, see our prep guide.

During the Assessment

The on-site visit typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the size and complexity of the unit. Here is what the assessor does during that time.

Visual Inspection of All Painted Surfaces

The assessor systematically examines every painted component in the unit—walls, ceilings, doors, door frames, windows, window sills, baseboards, trim, cabinets, porches, and exterior surfaces. The goal is to identify any areas of deteriorated paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking) and to document the condition of each component.

This is a room-by-room process. The assessor records findings for each component in each room, along with photographs that become part of the final report.

Dust Wipe Sampling

Dust wipe samples are the core analytical component of a risk assessment. These samples measure the amount of lead dust present on surfaces where people—especially children—are most likely to come into contact with it.

Samples are collected from three types of surfaces:

• Floors: A measured area of the floor is wiped with a pre-moistened sampling wipe. This captures settled dust that could be picked up through normal activity.
• Window sills: The interior ledge of the window where dust accumulates. Window sills consistently show higher lead dust levels than other surfaces because of friction from opening and closing windows with lead-painted components.
• Window troughs: The channel or track at the base of the window where the sash sits. These areas tend to trap the most dust and are the most common location for elevated results.

A minimum of three dust wipe samples are collected per unit. Larger units or units with more rooms will have additional samples to ensure adequate coverage. Each sample is individually labeled, documented, and sealed for chain-of-custody transport to the laboratory.

Paint Chip Testing

Where the visual inspection identifies deteriorated paint, the assessor may collect small paint chip samples for laboratory analysis. This involves removing a small piece of paint (roughly the size of a postage stamp) down to the substrate. Paint chip testing confirms whether the deteriorated paint contains lead and at what concentration.

Not every surface is sampled—only those where deterioration is observed and testing is necessary to determine the appropriate course of action.

Tenants Do Not Need to Leave

One of the most common questions we hear is whether tenants need to vacate during the assessment. They do not. The process is non-destructive and does not involve any chemicals, loud equipment, or activities that would make the space uncomfortable or unsafe. The assessor works quietly and moves room to room, working around furniture and personal belongings. Tenants can go about their normal routine.

After the Assessment

Laboratory Analysis

All collected samples—dust wipes and any paint chips—are submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The lab uses EPA-approved analytical methods to determine the lead content of each sample. Results are typically available within 5 to 7 business days after the lab receives the samples.

Report Preparation

Once lab results are in, the risk assessor prepares the formal report. This is not a simple pass/fail document. A thorough risk assessment report includes:

• Component-level findings: The condition and lead status of every inspected component in every room
• Laboratory results: Full lab reports for all dust wipe and paint chip samples, with results compared against EPA action levels
• Photo documentation: Photographs of key findings, areas of concern, and representative conditions throughout the unit
• Prioritized action plan: If hazards are identified, the report includes specific recommendations for addressing them, ranked by priority based on severity and exposure risk

For more detail on what happens after the visit, see our after the visit page.

Timeline: 10 to 14 Business Days

From the day of the on-site assessment to delivery of the completed report, the typical timeline is 10 to 14 business days. The majority of that time is the lab analysis phase. Report preparation begins as soon as results are available.

What Happens If Hazards Are Found

If the risk assessment identifies lead hazards—whether from elevated dust wipe results or deteriorated lead-based paint—the report will outline exactly what needs to be addressed. Depending on the nature and severity of the findings, the recommended response may involve:

• Interim controls: Stabilizing deteriorated paint, specialized cleaning to reduce dust levels, and ongoing maintenance practices. This is the most common response for moderate findings.
• Remediation or abatement: More extensive work to permanently address lead hazards, such as component replacement or encapsulation. This is typically reserved for more significant findings.

After any remediation work is completed, a clearance examination is required to verify that the work was effective and that the unit meets clearance standards. This is a separate visit with a fresh set of dust wipe samples.

A finding of lead hazards is not unusual in pre-1978 housing, and it does not mean the property is uninhabitable. It means specific conditions need attention. The report gives you a clear roadmap for getting there.

Questions About the Process

Every property is a little different, and it is normal to have questions about how the process applies to your specific situation. Whether you are a property owner scheduling your first risk assessment or a tenant who wants to understand what is happening in your home, we are happy to walk through the details. Get in touch and we will help you understand exactly what to expect.

You can also learn more about the lead risk assessment service and how it fits into the broader compliance process.