Columbus Lead Safe Program: Eligibility & Requirements

Updated October 2026 · 1 min read

To participate in the program, your pre-1978 property must be located within the City of Columbus and pass a Decent, Safe & Sanitary inspection.

The City of Columbus Lead Safe program provides assistance for housing units located within the city limits built before 1978. Property owners must agree to a 3-year restrictive covenant, and occupied units must house tenants at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

Key facts

Property age eligibility: Built before 1978
Geographic eligibility: Within City of Columbus limits
Income limit for occupied units: At or below 80% AMI
Restrictive covenant: 3-year term
Program funding agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control

Is my property eligible for the Lead Safe program?

To participate, your property must be located within the City of Columbus limits and have been built before 1978. For occupied rental units, the household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, based on limits effective June 1, 2026.

What are the program requirements?

Property owners must agree to a 3-year restrictive covenant on the property. Additionally, the unit must pass a Decent, Safe & Sanitary inspection. For owner-occupied units, the property must house or be visited by a child under the age of 6 for at least six hours per week. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control.

Frequently asked questions

What is the income limit for occupied units?

The income limit is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

Does my property need to meet a specific age requirement?

Yes, eligible properties must have been built before 1978.

What is the restrictive covenant requirement?

The restrictive covenant requires property owners to agree to a 3-year term on the property.

Sources

Figures in this guide come from these official sources. Rules change, so confirm with the source before acting.

columbus.gov/Services/Housing-Assistance-Programs/Housing-Programs/…
- City of Columbus limits
- built before 1978
- 3-year Restrictive Covenant
- at or below 80% of the Area Median Income
- June 1, 2026
- Decent, Safe & Sanitary Inspection
- child under the age of 6 living or visiting the property atleast six (6) hours per week
- U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control

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