Do I need a lead inspection as part of home inspection?

[Spencer Gonzaga]

Hi all,

Newbie investor here! Just recently got my offer signed on a SFH in Baltimore city with a home inspection due in 9 days. Seller disclosed lead paint in the house, it is a rowhouse built in the 1900. Seller also used the unit as a rental with a lead reduction certificate back in 2014.

Overall the house looks like in good condition without any obvious signs of peeling paint.  My realtor said that doing a lead inspection on the house would be a waste of money since they will only tell you you have lead paint in the house and where it is located.  I have also talked with a lead inspector over the phone and he concurred that if I was just using it as a primary residence, there is no need for a lead inspection and I could simply do it myself and purchase a lead detecting kit on Amazon for 20 bucks.

Predicament:  So I am doing my first house hack.  The house is a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom house.  I plan to rent out the two other bedrooms.  According to Maryland law, if a house is to be used as a rental unit, a lead risk assessment certificate needs to be done for every tenant.  

My question, does it make sense to go ahead and do a lead paint risk assessment certificate since I am planning to rent out the rooms eventually or am I just wasting my time and money?

Appreciate your thoughts and feedback!

Thank you!

[Russell Brazil]

I'll save you the $300 bucks of a lead inspection.....house has lead paint.