Lead Inspection Requirements for Montgomery County Rental Properties

The Maryland Lead Law, also known as the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, requires owners of pre-1978 rental properties to register their unit with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), provide a lead certificate at each change of occupancy, and distribute educational materials to their tenants at certain triggering events. The law allows for safer housing for children by requiring owners to comply with lead hazard reduction standards.

In addition to owners registering their property with MDE, landlords must also register their property with Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) and provide DHCA with the lead certificate and Lead Poisoning Prevention Checklist annually.

Complete the following steps to comply with Maryland Lead Law and Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

1. Get a Tracking Number

   Call 410-537-4199 to get your tracking number or complete the lead rental form to get one. The tracking number you get from MDE is used on the lead certificate and is needed before you can register the property.

2. Get a Lead Certificate

   Owners have the following options when choosing a certificate:

   • Full Risk Reduction Certificate
     Property has no deteriorating paint at the time of the inspection and all dust samples passed. Required at each change of occupancy.
   • Lead Free Certificate
     Property is free of elevated levels of lead paint on the interior and exterior. Property does not need another inspection and renewals aren’t required with MDE. Only a one time $10.00 processing fee is required.
   • Limited Lead Free Certificate
     Property has no lead-based paint on the interior of the dwelling. Lead paint is found only on the exterior. The exterior paint must remain intact and be visually inspected every two years prior to the expiration date.
   • Modified Risk Reduction
     Only required if a child or pregnant woman has been lead poisoned or when an owner receives a written notice of defect.

   We have accredited/certified lead inspectors licensed to do any lead inspection. Schedule your lead inspection online or call us at 240-760-1530 to make an appointment.

3. Register the Property with MDE

   After you receive your tracking number. MDE will send you your login credentials to complete the registration. The registration fee is $30. Complete your registration by going to the Lead Rental Registration page.

4. Complete Annual Lead Poisoning Prevention Checklist

   Checklist must be completed by March 31st each year. Provide the following information:

   • MDE Tracking Number
   • Current Tenants Moved In Date
   • Copy of Lead Certificate
   • Type of Lead Paint Inspection (Full Risk / Lead Free / Limited Lead Free / Modified Risk)
   • Date of Last Lead Inspection
   • Sign and Date the List
5. Register property with DHCA

   Complete the Rental Housing Application

   • Single Family / Condominium
   • Multi-Family Apartment Complex
     

   You can register online or via mail (Licensing and Registration 1401 Rockville Pike, 4th Floor Rockville, Maryland 20852).

6. Distribute Educational Materials

   Materials are to be distributed at each change of occupancy or every two years if the tenants remain the same.

   • Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
   • Notice of Tenants' Rights
7. Renew Your Registrations

   Every year renew with MDE by December 31st and DCHA by July 31st.

Contact Information

• Maryland Department of the Environment
  Phone: 410-537-4199
  Email: MDE.LeadReg@maryland.gov
  Website: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/rentalowners.aspx
• Department of Housing and Community Affairs
  Phone: 240-777-0311
  Website: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/housing/licensing/index.html

If you have questions or need guidance send an email to info@DMVAreaLeadInspections.com or call 240-760-1530.