Maryland Lead Paint Rules for Rentals: What Landlords Need at Turnover

Step 1: Confirm whether the property was built before 1978

The first question is simple. Was the rental built before 1978?

MDE states that all rental properties built before 1978 are required to be registered and renewed under an owner specific MDE Tracking Number, unless an exemption applies.

Before turnover, gather:

1. Property address
2. Built date
3. Owner name
4. Unit count
5. MDE Tracking Number if already registered
6. Current lead certificate if one exists
7. Date of the most recent change in tenancy

MDE notes that property number and built date information can be found through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Step 2: Confirm the MDE registration

Maryland lead compliance starts with registration.

MDE says new registration is required within 30 days after purchasing a rental property. MDE also states that effective January 1, 2026, renewals are due every two years on or before December 31, and the Lead Rental Registration and Renewal fee increases from 30 dollars to 75 dollars.

Before you schedule turnover work, confirm:

1. The unit is registered with MDE
2. The MDE Tracking Number is available
3. The owner information is current
4. The property information matches state tax records
5. Renewal status is not behind

If you cannot find the tracking number, MDE says owners can use the Lead Rental Registry Property Search, check prior emails from MDE, review renewal forms or postcards, or contact MDE directly.

Step 3: Schedule the lead inspection before the new tenant moves in

This is the part landlords should not delay.

MDE says properties subject to the Act must pass an inspection for lead contaminated dust before every change in occupancy. The inspection must be performed by an accredited MDE inspection contractor, and the property must be free of defective paint on the interior and exterior to pass.

That means your turnover order should look like this:

1. Move out
2. Repair defective paint and damaged surfaces
3. Clean properly
4. Schedule the accredited lead inspection
5. Receive the certificate
6. Provide required materials to the tenant
7. Move the next tenant in

Do not schedule the lead inspection before the property is ready. If defective paint is still present or the property is not properly cleaned, you are creating a delay.

Step 4: Understand what the inspector is looking for

Lead inspection is not the same as a general rental inspection.

A rental inspection may look at items like alarms, railings, plumbing, electrical safety, heat, locks, and general habitability. A lead inspection is focused on whether the property meets the applicable Maryland lead risk reduction standard.

For the Full Risk Reduction Standard at change in occupancy, MDE says the property must pass an inspection for lead contaminated dust and be free of defective paint on the interior and exterior.

That means landlords should pay close attention to:

1. Peeling paint
2. Chipping paint
3. Flaking paint
4. Deteriorated exterior painted surfaces
5. Window troughs and sills
6. Floors and surfaces that collect dust
7. Renovation dust after repairs

If the unit was recently repaired, make sure cleaning is done carefully before the lead inspection.

Step 5: Provide the required tenant education materials

Maryland lead compliance does not stop at the certificate.

MDE says owners of rental properties built before 1978 must provide tenants with specific educational materials upon inception of tenancy and every two years thereafter. Required materials include the Notice of Tenant Rights, the EPA Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home brochure, and a copy of the current valid lead inspection certificate for the current tenancy.

The EPA describes Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home as a pamphlet that explains the dangers of lead in the home and how families can protect themselves from lead based paint hazards.

At turnover, keep proof that you provided:

1. Notice of Tenant Rights
2. EPA Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home brochure
3. Current lead inspection certificate

A simple signed acknowledgement or email record can help keep your file organized.

Step 6: Keep the lead certificate with your rental records

MDE says owners are required to provide the date and certificate number for the most recent lead certificate when registering or renewing a property. MDE also points owners to the public lead inspection certificate search for copies of certificates.

Keep a folder for each rental unit with:

1. MDE Tracking Number
2. Current lead certificate
3. Certificate number
4. Inspection date
5. Tenant education material delivery date
6. Tenant move in date
7. Repair receipts if lead related work was completed

This makes renewals easier and helps you avoid searching for documents later.

Step 7: Know the difference between local rental inspections and Maryland lead compliance

This is where landlords get confused.

Baltimore City and Baltimore County rental inspections are local requirements. Maryland lead registration and lead risk reduction are state requirements. MDE specifically recommends checking with the local city or county because local rental registration, licensing, and payment requirements are separate from MDE requirements.

That means you may need both:

1. A local rental inspection or registration step
2. A Maryland lead certificate or lead registration step

For Baltimore City rental licensing, read: Baltimore City Rental License Timeline.

For Baltimore County rental registration, read: Baltimore County Rental Registration Before Inspection.