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.
Baltimore, MD
Maryland Environment Article §6-815 and following sections of the Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Act require pre-1978 Baltimore rental properties to regis...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore requires all rental properties to be registered and licensed through the Department of Housing and Community Development, with mandatory inspection...
See how Baltimore's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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