Never-ending lead inspections on every turnover?

[Tim Robinson]

Hi Everyone,

I own a small multifamily in Baltimore and want to know if there are any investors in other markets that have to deal with the ridiculous situation Baltimore puts it's landlords through on every tenant turnover. Each and every time a tenant leaves and a new tenant moves in, I have to have a certified lead inspector come in and "re-inspect" the place to certify that any potential lead threat has been abated. This has happened even when tenants have broken leases and moved out early, meaning a couple times I have had lead inspections a couple times a year. It's not a ton of money, but it just feels like a cash grab by the city. Not to mention a massive pain.

Any owners in other markets have this going on with incessant lead inspections? I feel like this is a bit of a weird post but I need to see if anyone else has this going on. This combined with the absurd taxes in Baltimore City are ensuring this will be the last property I buy there.

Appreciate the feedback!

[Stephen Kehoe]

Even though I love bashing on Baltimore city government I have to say the lead re inspection is a state law.

You can only use approve inspectors from this list https://mde.maryland.gov/progr...

1. If the building was built after 1945 but before 1965 it probably has lead on the outside and not the inside so it's worth going for the limited lead cert.

2. If the building was built after 1965 there is probably no lead so it's worth going for the lead free cert.

3. If the building was deeply rehabbed after 1965 including new windows and doors it's worth going for a lead free cert.

Did you know France banned interior lead paint in 1909. The US did in 1978.