Lead Inspections & Registrations in Maryland

When to get an inspection

Owners of rental properties built before 1978 that don’t have a lead free inspection certificate must get an inspection.

Types of lead standards

Certified lead free certificate - if XRF readings below 0.7mg/cm2 Readings will be taken from every wall, ceiling, window, base board and door.

Limited Lead Free certificate - If the lead paint survey determines that there is no lead paint on interior surfaces of the unit, but does have lead paint on exterior surfaces. Must inspect for peeling on outside. Re-inspection of outside every 2 years.

Reduced risk - Inspector looks for peeling paint and takes dust samples with wipe. Needs to be reinspected

1. A change in tenancy
2. A change of ownership
3. Notice of a defect
4. If a person at risk (pregnant or child under 6) tests high for lead.

Inspection Process

1. 1. Get an inspector from https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/leadinspectors.aspx he/she will look for peeling paint and perform dust sampling.
2. 2. Inspector provides you with a full risk reduction certificate or tells you what needs to happen to get a certificate eg. strip window sill to wood or provide aluminum capping.
3. 3. If work is required use a contractor from https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/leadcontractors.aspx
4. 4. Get reinspected and receive a risk reduction certificate or a lead free/limited certificate if you're lucky.

Registration

You must register upon change of ownership and before Dec 31st every year after that.

How much

$30 per unit to register or renew.

~$300 for if you go for lead free certificate. If this fails you have to get reduction certificate anyway. The older the property without a gut renovation the less likely it is to pass.

~$300 for a risk reduction certificate.

How

If it is your first time registering, call MDE at 410-537-4199 and then visit https://securemde.mde.state.md.us/CustomPages/UserLoginPage.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDEFAULT.ASPX

Rules of thumb:

Houses from after 1945 only have paint on the outside so you should go for limited lead certificate.

Houses from after 1965 normally have no lead so you should go for lead free certificate.

Before a risk reduction survey

1. 1. Make sure all peeling paint issues are addressed. This includes any surface that has been painted inside or out. Fences, garages, concrete patios, steps etc.
2. 2. It is very hard to get old wood windows to pass a dust wipe inspection unless they are painted very recently the best thing to do is to install replacement windows throughout the property.
3. 3. The entire property should be HEPA vacuumed and then all the smooth floors should be detergent washed. Also HEPA vacuum the front and rear porches so that lead paint dust is not tracked into the property prior to the dust wipe inspection.

For non lead free units supply the following at start of lease and every 2 years after

1. EPA pamphlet https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-04/documents/lead-in-your-home-portrait-color-2020-508.pdf

2. MDE pamphlet https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/Documents/LeadPamphlets/LeadPamphletMDENoticeOfTenantsRights.pdf

3. Current Lead certificate