FAQs on Lead Paint in Maryland

Q: Which residential rental properties fall under Maryland's Lead Law?

A: All residential rental dwelling units built prior to 1978 must have a valid lead certificate. 

Q:  What are the Landlord's requirements?

A: LANDLORDS ARE REQUIRED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. REGISTER THE RENTAL UNIT WITH MDE.
2. DISTRIBUTION OF TENANT EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION: All tenants must be provided with the “Notice of Tenants Rights,” and “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” brochures and a copy of the current lead paint inspection certificate. These brochures should be redistributed to the tenant every two years thereafter.
3. HAVE THE UNIT CERTIFIED: (Meet the Risk Reduction Standard) All rental properties must be lead inspected by a MDE accredited lead paint inspector upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. The lead inspector will issue a Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate and all supporting documentation, summarizing the findings of their inspection. The Accredited lead paint inspector will submit a copy to MDE and provide two copies to the owner. The owner should keep one copy for their records and give one to their tenant.

Q: How does a landlord/owner register their property with the MDE?

A: The property owner can call the Maryland Department of the Environment to register their property at 800-776-2706 or 410-537-3934.

Q:  What types of testing/inspection methods meet the Risk Reduction Standard?

A: This can be a Lead Free, Limited Lead Free or Full Risk Reduction (also known as dust swipes or lead safe) testing/inspection.

Q:  Which type of Risk Reduction Standard testing do we (MRI Property Inspection Services) offer?

A:  We are a MDE Certified Visual Inspector performing Full Risk Reduction testing (also known as dust wipes or lead safe).

Q:  Will the landlord/owner need to obtain a new lead certificate when a tenant moves out?

A: Yes, upon tenant turnover the property owner will need to have the rental unit re-inspected to obtain a new certificate, unless the property is certified as "lead free" or "limited lead free" by the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE). 

Q:  When does a Full Risk Reduction certificate expire?

A: Once a Full Risk reduction certificate has been issued it will expire at tenant turn over. It doesn't matter what the length of time the tenant occupies the property. If they are only there for 2 months and then vacate a new Full Risk Reduction inspection must take place prior to the new tenants moving into the property.

Q:  How do I prepare my rental unit for lead testing?

A:

Cleaning Tips:

• Start high and clean the area as you work your way down to the floor.

• When you begin cleaning in each room, you should start at the furthest point from the exit.

• You will need to- vacuum, wash, vacuum.

Steps:

1. Vacuum: HEPA vacuum the entire area, start high and work your way down to the floor. Include window sills and wells. Vacuum the floor last.

2. Wash:

   1. Walls and Windows:  Should be detergent washed with water and cleaner (if they are washable).

      • Use the 3-chamber method to wash:

        1. Chamber #1: Water & detergent (example: Simple Green, 409, Greased Lightning)

        2. Chamber #2: Rinse water (change rinse water often)

        3. Chamber #3: Chamber for dirty water

      • Wash no more than 3’x3’ area before cleaning your sponge or rag.

   2. Floors:  Should be detergent washed with water and cleaner.

      • Use the 3-chamber method to wash:

        1. Chamber #1: Water & detergent (example: Simple Green, 409, Greased Lightning)

        2. Chamber #2: Rinse water (change rinse water often)

        3. Chamber #3: Chamber for dirty water

      • Wash no more than 4’x4’ area before cleaning your mop.

3. Vacuum Again: You will need to use a HEPA filtered vacuum. HEPA vacuum the entire area, start high and work your way down to the floor. Include window sills and wells. Vacuum the floor last.

4. Isolate the Area:  Once you have finished cleaning make sure to close all windows and doors to prevent recontamination.