Maryland Department of the Environment (for pda/handhelds)

Rental Property Owners

Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing law requires owners of rental properties built before 1950 to register their units with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), distribute specific educational materials, and meet specific lead paint risk reduction standards at certain triggering events.

Owners who are in compliance with this Maryland law are eligible for limited liability protection. This protection is also available for owners of rental units built in 1950 through 1978 if they choose to participate and meet the same requirements ("opt-in").

Important Notices:

• Application for Compliance Plan Acquisition of Noncompliant Affected Properties

Compliance Process:

• Standard of Care What Owners Need to do to Comply (pdf - Adobe Acrobat file)
• Summary of Owner Rights and Responsibilities
• RENTAL PROPERTY REGISTRY UPDATE FOR 2010
• Rental Property Registration Form (pdf- Adobe Acrobat file)    
  • Residential rental properties built before 1950 are required to be registered and renewed annually with Maryland Department of the Environment's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Residential rental properties built between 1950 and 1978 have a choice of participating. Properties built before 1978 that have a passing "Lead-Free" inspection certificate also have the choice of participating.
  • Your Tracking Number is to be filled out before mailing this form in.  This form is only to be used if you have a Tracking Number and are adding another property under the same ownership. 
  • Do not use this form if you are trying to renew registration for a property you already have registered under the current owners OR 
  • If you want to update AND/OR pay for a property you already have registered under the current owners. To do that you are to use the pre-printed "Renewal" form MDE has mailed or will mail out to you.
  • For more information and to obtain a Tracking Number or to find the Tracking Number you have already been assigned or to get a copy of your renewal form please call 410-537-4199 or 1-800-776-2706.

BE AWARE: Some counties & Baltimore City ALSO charge a registration fee for rental properties. The State registration fee is NOT collected through the county, town or city. The State registration is due by December 31st of each year.

• The Abatement of Lead Paint Hazards
• Lead Paint Certificates for Rental Housing (pdf - Adobe Acrobat file)
• Types of Inspections for Rental Housing
• Meeting Risk Reduction Standards (pdf - Adobe Acrobat file) 

Related Information:

• Maryland Accredited Lead Paint Service Providers:
  • CONTRACTORS
  • INSPECTORS
• Lead-Free "Opt-In" Units (pdf - Adobe Acrobat file)
• Number of Registrations & Inspections in Maryland (pdf - Adobe Acrobat file)
• Exterior Waiver Guidance also known as a "Winter Waiver" (pdf-Adobe Acrobat file)
  • Exterior Waiver Contacts on MD Building Officials Association website (pdf file)
  • For Baltimore City properties, Exterior Waivers are automatically in effect between November 1st & April 1st if needed.  
• The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
• Qualified Offer Form (pdf - Adobe Acrobat file)
• Qualified Offer Form (doc - fillable Word file)