Allegheny County Health Department - Housing and Community Environment - Pittsburgh, PA

Ensuring Safe and Healthy Homes

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) - Housing and Community Environment Program is the regulatory body responsible for enforcing housing codes and maintaining public health standards in residential properties throughout the county. Located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood on Sassafras Way, this division focuses on preventing housing-related health hazards such as lead poisoning, carbon monoxide exposure, and vector-borne diseases.

Inspections and Code Enforcement

The program provides critical services to tenants and homeowners, including:

• Rental Inspections: Investigating tenant complaints regarding lack of heat, water service, sewage backups, severe mold, and structural safety issues. Tenants can request an inspection if landlords fail to make necessary repairs.
• Rooming House Permitting: Licensing and inspecting multi-tenant rooming houses to ensure they meet specific health and safety regulations.
• Vector Control: Addressing infestations of rodents and insects that pose a public health risk in the community.
• Lead Safety: Conducting environmental assessments in homes where children have elevated blood lead levels.

Filing a Complaint

Residents experiencing substandard living conditions are encouraged to file a complaint. While the office handles administrative tasks and permits, most inspections occur in the field. The department empowers tenants by documenting violations that can be used to legally withhold rent or break leases if conditions remain unresolved. The facility operates during standard county business hours.