What is a Qualified Offer?

Notice of Defect
Notice of Elevated Blood Level
What is a Qualified Offer?
What is Rent Escrow?
Lead Inspection Certificate (MD)

Qualified Offer Form

A Qualified Offer is a legal Offer that a Landlord may make to a Person at Risk poisoned by lead. If your Landlord makes this Offer, he or she will pay for Relocation and Medical Benefits within certain limits. By accepting a Qualified Offer, the Person at Risk (or their parent or guardian) agrees not to sue their Landlord for possible damages caused by lead poisoning.

 Who is a person at risk?

 A Person at Risk is a child under the age of 6 or a pregnant woman who:

· Lives in or regularly spends 24 hours or more per week in a rental home built before 1950

AND

· Has a confirmed elevated blood lead level of 15 ug/dL or higher tested on or after February 24,2001.

Who can Accept the Qualified Offer?

The Qualified Offer can be accepted by the Person at Risk or their parent or guardian, if the Person at Risk is a child.

What do I do if I receive a Qualified Offer?

You should contact an attorney to better understand your rights or your child’s rights.  You have 30 days to accept or reject a Qualified Offer or you may lose the right to receive any benefits or to pursue certain legal actions. It is important to know: In order for a Landlord to be able to make a valid Qualified Offer, the Landlord must be in full compliance with the Law!

 To be eligible to make a Qualified Offer, the Landlord must have:

1. Registered the property annually with the Maryland Department of the Environment prior to rental;

2. Given the tenant the “Notice of Tenant’s Rights” and “Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home” pamphlets (pamphlets, required by State and Federal laws) as well as a copy of the current inspection certificate for the property;

3. Performed lead hazard reduction called Risk Reduction Treatments in the property and receive an inspection certificate prior to rental or in response to a Notice of Defect.

What does a Qualified Offer Pay for?

The Qualified Offer pays for up to $9,500 in Rent and Relocation Benefits. The Relocation Benefits can be used to relocate the entire household to certified lead safe housing. The Benefits are good until the child reaches age 6 or $9500 is spent. The offer also pays for up to  $7,500 is spent. Relocation and Medical Benefits are paid directly to the person or company that provides covered services.