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Maryland/Baltimore Regulations

All properties built before 1950 need to have a valid lead certificate. The certificate can be a Lead-Free, Limited Lead-Free or Full Risk Reduction certificate. As of January 1, 2015, all 1950-1978 properties that are sold or turned over to new tenants need a new lead paint inspection. 

Every landlord needs to complete the following four steps to maintain compliance:
1

Obtain a valid lead paint certificate. 

2

Register the property with the MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) and renew registration on an annual basis.

3

Give tenants the Maryland Notice of Tenant’s Rights pamphlet and EPA brochure, and ask them to sign that they received both.

4

Every two years, have tenants resign to indicate that they have both pamphlets. 

You are not required to register with the MDE if you have a Lead Free or Limited Lead Free certificate.

The Three Types of Certificates

1
Lead Free:

A lead free certificate means that a property has passed a lead-based paint inspection on the interior, exterior and in common areas. Once this certificate is issued, you do not need to have any more inspections. 

2
Limited Lead Free:

This certificate shows that a property does not have lead-based paint on the interior, but there is lead-based paint present on the exterior or in common areas. However, none of the paint can be chipping, cracking or flaking. Once this certificate is issued, no additional interior inspections are needed. Exterior and common areas must be checked for defective lead-based paint every two years with a visual inspection.

3
Full Risk Reduction:

This visual inspection looks for defective paint on the interior, exterior and in basement areas and tests for lead dust using dust swipes. The inspection must be completed before new tenants move into the property.