Maryland lead law compliance is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!
Step 1 – Register with MDE. Residential rental properties built before 1978 are required to be registered and then renewed annually with Maryland Department of the Environment. (Residential rental properties built after 1977 and properties that have a passing lead free inspection certificate are exempt.) All non-exempted properties built prior to 1978 must have a new lead inspection certificate at each change of occupancy.
Click here to register with MDE:
https://mde.state.md.us/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/LeadRegistration.aspx
Step 2 – Schedule your inspection. Call us at 240-755-7727 or visit the Contact page to schedule an inspection. We can schedule with as little as 24-hours notice. Allow about two hours for the inspection. The inspection starts with a visual inspection looking at both the exterior and interior paint condition. After successfully passing the visual inspection the inspector will take at least one dust sample from each room in the home. Samples are then shipped to an accredited lab for anaylsis.
Important - Review “Tips to Pass Your Lead Dust Inspection” section below. After the passing lab results are received you will be issued a passing lead certificate.
Step 3 – Keep your tenants informed. By law the below materials must be issued to tenants on the inception of tenancy. The MDE and EPA brochures must be issued to tenants again every two years thereafter.
- Copy of the Lead Paint Risk Reduction certificate (MDE Form 330) showing the home has passed the lead dust inspection.
- MDE pamphlet “Notice of Tenants’ Rights” https://mde.state.md.us/programs/LAND/Documents/LeadPamphlets/LeadPamphletMDENoticeOfTenantsRights.pdf
- EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-06/documents/pyf_color_landscape_format_2017_508.pdf
That's all there is to it!
Tips to pass your lead Dust inspection
Following these simple guidelines will greatly enhance your chances of passing the lead dust inspection:
- Inspect both interior and exterior of the property (and any common areas if applicable) for deteriorating paint. Per Maryland law: ” The property can have NO chipping, flaking, peeling, or chalking paint anywhere on the property, inside or outside, including permanent sheds, garages, or other outbuildings within approximately 75’ of the residence”. Pay close attention to wooden windows or doors that show signs of paint degradation as a result of opening or closing - this is the most common cause of lead dust contamination. Address/repair any issues prior to inspection day.
- Clean. Ideally, the unit should be cleaned the same day as the inspection (but at least one hour prior). Vacuum all floors - preferably using a vacuum with HEPA filter. Clean all horizontal surfaces with a detergent solution. Pay particular attention to window wells and sills.
Additional Landlord Resources
Additional MDE information for rental owners:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/rentalowners.aspx
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Rental Housing License Registration - Montgomery County:
https://montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/housing/licensing/index.html
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Rental Housing License Registration - Prince Georges County
Single Family:
https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1227/Single-Family-Rental-Licensing
Multifamily:
https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1225/Multifamily-Rental-Licensing
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Asbestos Safety Resources:
www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/