Tenants

How do I find out if my rental property is in compliance
MD Tenant Rights Powerpoint

What do I need to know?

In Maryland, if you rent an apartment built before 1950, before you move in, the property owner should have performed lead hazard reduction treatments called Full Risk Reduction Treatments.  (To find out when your property was built, click here to search the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation website.)

Before you move in, the owner should make sure that:

• There is no chipping, peeling or flaking paint
• Window wells and window sills have been treated
• Floors are smooth and cleanable

After doing the treatments, the property owner must have the unit inspected to verify that the property meets the Full Risk Reduction Treatment standards.

If the house passes the inspection, the independent, accredited Inspector will give the property owner copies of the Lead Risk Reduction Inspection Certificate to give to the tenant.  The inspector will also file a copy with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).  The Inspection Certificate states that the lead hazard reduction treatments were completed properly. This certificate will be on file at MDE.  Check to see if your property is registered and inspected by calling 410-537-4199 or toll free 800-776-2706.

At lease signing or at the time of move-in, the property owner should provide you with a copy of the lead certificate along with two educational pieces 1) Protect Your Family from Lead in your Home (blue EPA booklet) and 2) Notice of Maryland Tenant’s Rights.  If your property was built before 1950 and you were not provided these documents when you moved in, contact the Coalition at intake@leadsafe.org or 410-534-6447, or you may call the Maryland Department of Environment directly at 410-537-4199 or toll free 800-776-2706.

(If the rental property was constructed between 1950 – 1978 the owner has the option to meet the above treatments, however they are only required to provide you with the educational brochure Protect Your Family from Lead in your Home.)

What if there is chipping, peeling, and flaking paint in my older rental home after I move in?

You must send notice to the property owner in writing telling the owner about the defects. You may either write your own letter or use a "Notice of Defect Form". Sending a Notice of Defect is easy and anyone can send it.  A detailed explanation of Notice of Defect is provided in the Tenant's Rights and Responsibilities section in the orange box under Notice of Defect.  The Coalition can help you send the Notice of Defect, please email intake@leadsafe.org or call 410-534-6447 to request assistance.

In order to send a notice, you may:

• Send it Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested; or,
• Hand deliver it to the property owner or his agent and get the signature of the person you delivered it to.

Be sure to keep a copy of the signed notice for your records!

IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER TO EVICT YOU FOR REPORTING PAINT DEFECTS IN YOUR HOME, OR BECAUSE THERE IS A PERSON IN YOUR HOME FOUND TO HAVE A HIGH BLOOD LEAD LEVEL.

CLICK HERE to find out if an apartment or house has had a recent lead hazard violation that was not fixed as of July 1, 2009