Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions from property managers, landlords, homeowners, and child-care providers.
The Basics
How long does an inspection take?
Most single-family homes take 1–2 hours on-site. Multi-unit properties vary — a duplex might take 2–3 hours, while a 10-unit building could take a full day. We'll give you a time estimate when you schedule.
What does the inspector actually do?
Our ODH-licensed inspector performs a visual assessment of all painted surfaces, takes XRF readings to detect lead in paint, collects dust wipe samples from floors and window areas, and documents everything with photographs. For risk assessments, we also inspect exterior surfaces and may sample soil.
How soon do I get my report?
Standard turnaround is 10–14 days from the site visit. This includes 5–7 business days for lab processing plus report preparation time. Rush lab options are available when you need results faster.
What's the difference between a risk assessment and an inspection?
A lead-based paint inspection tests every painted surface to determine if lead-based paint is present — it's used for the 20-year exemption pathway. A risk assessment evaluates actual hazard conditions (deteriorating paint, friction surfaces, dust levels) and provides recommendations — it's required for the 2-year Lead-Safe Certificate.
Cleveland Compliance
Do I need a lead inspection for my rental property?
If your Cleveland rental property was built before 1978 and a child under 6 lives there (or could live there), you need a valid Lead-Safe Certificate or 20-Year Exemption. The City of Cleveland requires this for all pre-1978 rentals.
What is the 2-year Lead-Safe Certificate?
It's issued after a risk assessment shows your property is free of lead hazards (or hazards have been properly controlled). It's valid for 2 years, after which you need a new assessment. This is the standard compliance pathway for most rental properties.
What is the 20-Year Lead-Safe Exemption?
If a full lead-based paint inspection finds no lead-based paint on any surface, your property qualifies for a 20-year exemption from regular inspections. This is the most cost-effective long-term option but requires testing every single painted surface.
How do I submit my report to the city?
Cleveland rental property reports are submitted through the city's Citizen Access online portal. Reports must be submitted within 90 days of the inspection. We format our reports for direct submission and can walk you through the portal process.
What happens if I don't comply?
Cleveland can issue citations, fines, and ultimately condemn non-compliant rental properties. Compliance deadlines are enforced — it's much more cost-effective to be proactive than to face enforcement actions.
Costs & Assistance
How much does an inspection cost?
Our single-family pricing for common services:
- Lead Risk Assessment: $550–$650
- Lead-Based Paint Inspection (XRF): $1,275–$1,500
- Clearance Exam — Targeted (1–2 work areas): $275–$350
- Clearance Exam — Full Unit: $580–$680
- RRP Consulting — Single Project: $225
- RRP Consulting — Ongoing Support: $495/month
Multi-unit properties receive volume pricing that decreases per-unit as your portfolio grows. Projects with 10+ units qualify for additional discounts. Contact us for an exact quote.
Is there financial help available?
Yes. Several programs cover part or all of inspection and remediation costs, including the Lead Safe Home Fund, City of Cleveland LHC grants, and Cuyahoga County programs. We help you identify which programs you qualify for.
Do you offer volume pricing for multiple properties?
Yes. Property managers with multiple units receive volume pricing that scales with portfolio size. Projects with 10+ units qualify for additional discounts. We also offer batch scheduling to reduce disruption, consolidated reporting for portfolio management, Net 30 payment terms for qualified property managers, and Master Services Agreements for ongoing portfolio relationships. Request a portfolio quote to see your per-unit pricing.
After the Inspection
What if lead hazards are found?
Don't panic — most hazards can be addressed with interim controls like specialized cleaning, repainting, or minor repairs. Your report will specify exactly which components need attention and recommend the most cost-effective approach. Full abatement (permanent removal) is also an option.
Do I need a clearance exam after repairs?
Yes. After any lead hazard control work (interim controls or abatement), a clearance exam must be performed before the area can be re-occupied. This involves dust wipe sampling to verify the work was effective.
Can tenants stay during the inspection?
Yes, tenants can remain in the property during the inspection. We just need access to all rooms. For clearance exams after remediation work, the treated areas must be unoccupied until clearance is achieved.
How long is my certification valid?
A Lead-Safe Certificate (from a risk assessment) is valid for 2 years. A 20-Year Lead-Safe Exemption (from a full lead-based paint inspection with no lead found) is valid for 20 years. Clearance letters don't expire but apply only to the specific work performed.