Maryland and Baltimore impose strict lead-paint risk reduction obligations on owners of rental properties built before 1978. Properties must be registered, inspected, and certified lead-free or lead-safe under MDE oversight, with significant tenant-protection enforcement.
Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Act, codified at MDE COMAR 26.16.01 and statute Environment Article section 6-801, requires owners of pre-1978 rentals to register annually, perform risk-reduction treatments at tenant turnover, and maintain a current Lead-Free or Lead-Safe certificate. Baltimore Housing further enforces local lead standards under Article 13. Tenants have a private right of action for elevated blood-lead levels in children. The Maryland Department of the Environment maintains the rental registry and inspection database.
Civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation. Tenants may seek treble damages plus attorney fees for noncompliance. Properties barred from collecting rent until compliant.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Health Code Title 9 sets a 55 dB(A) residential property-line limit, reduced 10 dB at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays; midnight-7 a.m. weekends), wi...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Property maintenance under Article 13 requires yard upkeep but does not a...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. Hea...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants and...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through DHCD e...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no specific smoker ordinance, but the Health Code Title 9 noise limits and air quality standards may apply. Maryland Department of the Environm...
See how Baltimore's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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