Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-020
Lead-bearing substance use (Chicago Lead-Bearing Substances Ordinance)
Operative Text
No person shall use or apply lead-bearing substances: (a) In or upon any exposed surface of a dwelling or dwelling unit; (b) In or around the exposed surfaces of a residential building, child care facility, school or other structure frequented by children; (c) In or upon any fixtures or other objects used, installed, or located in or upon any exposed surface of a dwelling or residential building, child care facility, school, or intended to be so used, installed, or located and that in the ordinary course of use, are accessible to and chewable by children; (d) In or upon any toys, furniture, or other articles used by and chewable by children; (e) Within or upon a residential building or dwelling, child care facility, school, playground, park or recreational area, or other areas regularly frequented by children. (Added Coun. J. 11-5-93, p. 40561)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-020 establishes a broad prohibition on the use or application of lead-bearing substances in residential settings and anywhere children are regularly present. The rule covers exposed surfaces inside and outside dwellings, fixtures, toys, furniture, playgrounds, parks, and recreational areas. Its effect is to bar any person—not just landlords—from introducing lead-bearing materials into these environments.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-020 generally ensure that no lead-bearing substances are used during renovation, repair, or painting of any exposed surface in a dwelling, residential building, or common area accessible to children. Compliant operators typically verify that contractors and maintenance staff use only lead-free materials on fixtures, surfaces, and objects that children could access or chew. Keeping records of materials used and confirming compliance with this provision is a practice associated with responsible property management in Chicago.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 7-4 § 7-4-020 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if they believe lead-bearing substances have been applied to surfaces, fixtures, or objects in their dwelling or in areas where children play. Tenants who observe potential violations may consider filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or another relevant city agency, or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Documenting the condition—such as photographing surfaces or noting when work was performed—is a step commonly associated with pursuing a complaint under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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