Maryland Rental Certificate Types

Full Risk | Lead Free | Limited Lead Free | Modified

Full Risk Reduction

A landlord receives this certificate after passing a full risk inspection. The inspection entails a visual check and collection of dust samples. The inspector checks the condition of the paint. All paint must be intact prior to the inspection. The inspection fails and ends if the inspector finds peeling, chipping, flaking, or cracking paint.

If the visual passes, the inspector takes dust wipe samples from every room. Rooms include living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, foyer, hallways, laundry room, garage, office, den, etc. The inspector takes samples from the floor or window sill in each room. The inspector takes an additional sample if there is an original wood window. An accredited lab receives samples from the inspector. The owner receives a passing certificate if the samples pass.

Pros

• Easy to pass inspection
• Less expensive than a lead-free inspection
• Inspection complies with the MD Lead Law

Cons

• Required before new tenants move in
• Required to fix all deteriorating paint before inspection *
• Original wood windows must be open before the inspection
• Floors, window sills, and window wells must be clean before inspection
• Any issues found must be fixed within 30 days of the initial inspection

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* The law presumes all paint contains lead unless its exempt. Properties built after 1977 or have a lead-free certificate are exempt. Even if an addition was added to a pre-1978 property after 1977, any paint on it must be intact before the inspection.

Lead Free

A landlord receives this certificate after passing a lead-free inspection. During this inspection, the inspector takes samples or readings of the paint. The inspector conducts the test on the inside and outside of the property. The owner receives a passing certificate if all readings or samples pass.

Pros

• Exempts property from future lead testing
• Not required to fix deteriorating paint before inspection
• Not required to clean property before the inspection
• Testing does not destroy paint if an instrument is used during the inspection

Cons

• More expensive than a full risk reduction
• More costly to abate if lead-based paint is found
• Paint is destroyed if inspector takes physical paint samples instead of using an instrument
• Hard to receive for a condo if it is in a high-rise building

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* To receive a lead-free certificate for a condo in a high-rise building, inspector must test multiple common areas such as hallways, laundry rooms, elevators, stairwells, etc. All common areas must pass. It is more costly to test several common areas and the exterior of a high-rise building.

Limited Lead Free

A landlord receives this certificate after passing a limited lead-free inspection. During this inspection, the inspector takes samples or readings of the interior paint. The owner receives a passing certificate if all interior readings or samples pass.

Pros

• Not required to fix deteriorating paint on the interior before inspection
• Not required to clean interior before the inspection
• Interior of property is exempt from future lead testing
• Commonly issued for condos in high-rise buildings

Cons

• Visual of common areas are required every two years if the property is a condo/apartment
• Visual of exterior is required every two years
• More expensive than a full risk reduction
• More costly to abate if lead-based paint is found on the interior

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Modified Risk Reduction

A landlord receives this certificate after passing a modified risk reduction inspection. MDE requires this inspection if a child residing in the property has been lead poisoned or the landlord receives a Notice of Defect. Before the inspection, an accredited contractor or supervisor conducts lead hazard treatments. During the inspection, the inspector verifies the treatments are complete before taking dust samples. The owner receives a passing certificate if the results from the lab pass.

Pros

• Property is safe to live in
• Multiple checks completed to ensure treatments were done correctly

Cons

• A child was lead poisoned or defective paint was found
• Treatments must be completed by MDE accredited contractors

Resources

• How to Pass a Full Risk Reduction Inspection
• Lead Information for Rental Owners
• MD Lead Law
• MD Lead Law Facts
• Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

If you have questions or want to schedule an inspection email us at info@DMVAreaLeadInspections.com or call 240-760-1530.