Lead Inspections

Do I need to do a lead registration for my rental property?

• Residential rental properties built before 1978 are required to be registered and then renewed annually with Maryland Department of the Environment.
• A new lead inspection is required at each change of tenant
• Residential rental properties built on or after 1978 are exempt.

What type of lead inspection do I need for my rental property?

• “A Full Risk Reduction Inspection is generally conducted in a vacant unit prior to occupancy by a new tenant. An accredited inspection contractor may issue a certificate, which indicates that there is a reduced risk of lead exposure in a rental unit.
• A Modified Risk Reduction Inspection is conducted in response to either (a) written notice from the tenant, or from any other source, of the presence of defects in the unit or (b) within 30 days of being notified a person at risk (pregnant woman or child under 6 years of age) has a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or more and an Environmental Investigation has identified defects.
• A Lead Free Inspection rental dwelling has to get an XRF readings below 0.7mg/cm2 or paint chip samples below 0.5% by weight) may be exempted from annual registration fees and from further risk reduction requirements. Most home will not pass this test unless they are brand new. When a the owner submits a lead free certification to the Department they are required to also submit a Lead Free Inspection Fee Payment with the appropriate processing fee. The processing fee is $10 (per unit) for every unit represented by the certificate.
• A Limited Lead Free certificate is given if there is no lead paint on interior surfaces of the unit, but does have lead paint on exterior surfaces. The exterior areas cant have any chipping, peeling or flaking paints. The unit meeting the Limited Lead Free certificate must be re-inspected every two years on or before the date of the original certification. If the re- inspection does not occur in a timely manner the original certificate is no longer considered valid.”

What do I need to have before I call the lead inspector?

Please have your Maryland Department of the Environment tracking number. You can get this number from MDE by calling 410-537-4199 or applying online.

What can I do to help me pass the lead inspection?

• Make sure there is NO peeling or flaking paint on the outside or inside of the house. Look along the roof and around basement windows and doors.
• Repaint any areas with peeling or flaking paint
• Repair structural defects that cause the paint to deteriorate.
• Replace wooden windows
• Cap window wells in order to make them smooth and cleanable
• Rehang doors to prevent rubbing
• Vacuum and wash areas where repairs were made.
• Clean the windows and area surrounding the windows
• Clean the floors

What does chipping or flaking paint look like?