Lead Safe Ordinance - Notice of Violations (NOV)

The first phase of the Lead-Safe Ordinance was due December 31, 2025. At the end of February 2026, the City mailed Notice of Violation letters to property owners whose rental properties are currently not in compliance with Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 1760 — the Lead-Safe Ordinance.

If you received this letter, it means City records indicate that your one- to four-unit residential rental property, or family childcare home built prior to 1978, does not have a valid Lead-Safe Certificate on file.

Let me explain what that means — and what happens next.

What the Notice Says...

The Notice explains that:

• The City’s review of Lucas County Auditor records identifies you as the owner of the property.

• The property does not have a valid Lead-Safe Certificate.

• The ordinance requires covered properties to obtain and maintain a valid certificate.

This requirement is not new. It has been in effect and phased in by census tract over the past several years.

What You Must Do Now

The Notice orders property owners to complete three required steps within 30 days of receipt :

1. Obtain a qualifying lead-safe inspection conducted by a properly licensed professional.

2. Submit a complete Lead-Safe Certificate application with all required documentation and fees.

3. Receive an approved Lead-Safe Certificate issued by the City of Toledo.

It is important to understand:

Submitting an application alone does not constitute compliance.

Compliance is achieved only when the City issues an approved Lead-Safe Certificate.

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What Happens If You Do Nothing?

If a property owner fails to obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate within 30 days after service of the notice, the case may be referred for criminal charges in Toledo Municipal Court.

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If the Case Goes to Court

If a case is referred to Toledo Municipal Court, property owners will have the opportunity to appear before a judge and present documentation showing they are actively pursuing compliance.

However, the best course of action is to act now — schedule your inspection, submit a complete application, and obtain your certificate before enforcement escalates.

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If You’ve Already Complied

If you believe you received the notice in error — for example:

• You already have a valid certificate,

• You recently sold the property,

• Or the property is not a rental,

Please contact us through the www.toledoleadsafe.com website so we can review your situation.

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Why This Matters

Lead poisoning remains a serious issue in Toledo.

Each year, hundreds of children in our community test positive for elevated blood lead levels. Lead exposure can cause permanent neurological damage, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and lifelong health consequences.

The Lead Safe Ordinance is about preventing harm before it happens.

Safe housing protects:

• Children

• Families

• Tenants

• And property owners from long-term liability

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Where to Get Help

Information about the ordinance and application requirements is available at:

toledoleadsafe.com

Questions may be submitted through the contact page on the website.

Please note: Submitting a question does not pause the 30-day compliance deadline.

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Closing

If you received a Notice of Violation, the best step you can take is to act quickly.

Schedule your inspection.

Submit a complete application.

Obtain your Lead-Safe Certificate.

Do you have questions about the Lead-Safe Ordinance, or do you have questions about the process of Lead-Safe Inspections? Give the Lead Paint Detectives a call, and we'll help you out. We'll help you figure out what you need, what you need to do next, and get your Lead-Safe Certificate. Go to LeadPaintDetectives.com for more videos and Lead-Safe resources.