Lead Inspections

Got Lead???

Do I need to do a lead registration?

“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.
On or after January 1, 2015, all properties built prior to 1978 must have a new lead inspection certificate at each change of occupancy.” -Maryland Department of Environment

What type of lead inspection do I need?

“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. I DO NOT PERFORM THIS INSPECTION
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.” I DO NOT PERFORM THIS INSPECTION
(Maryland Department of Environment)

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

Please have your MDE tracking number. This number has to be listed on your paper work before an inspection will be preformed.

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

Remove any chipping, peeling, or flaking paint
Repair structural defects that cause the paint to deteriorate.
Repaint, replace, or encapsulate all interior window sills
Cap window wells in order to make them smooth and cleanable
Fix the top sash in place
Rehang doors to prevent rubbing
Vacuum and wash areas where repairs were made.
Clean the windows and area surrounding the windows
Clean the floors
Clean the doors

How much is a lead inspection?

Baltimore City

$23/ sample *minimum of 7 samples

$25/ sample *under 7 samples

**There will be a $50 fee if I come, but do no perform the lead inspection due to flaking and/or peeling paint**

Baltimore County and Surrounding Areas

$25/ sample

**There will be a $70 fee if I come, but do no perform the lead inspection due to flaking and/or peeling paint**