How to Obtain a Lead Free Certificate
According to the Maryland Lead Law, pre-1978 Maryland rental properties must have a lead certificate. An owner receives a lead certificate by passing a full risk reduction or lead-free inspection. You cannot use a home testing kit if you need a lead-free certificate. Only an inspector technician or risk assessor can perform a lead-free inspection. Passing a lead-free inspection exempts the property from future lead inspections. To obtain a rental license, you will need a valid lead certificate.
Get a Tracking Number
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) provides this number. After you obtain the tracking number, provide the number to the lead inspector. Call 410-537-4199 to get a tracking number. You can use the same tracking number for multiple properties if the properties have the same owner's name listed on the tax records.
Choose a Testing Method
Two methods are used to test for lead-based paint. Inspectors test for lead by taking paint chip samples or using an XRF (X-ray fluorescence).
XRF Sampling
Testing with an XRF is the most common method because of the following:
- Can determine if lead-based paint is present on many surfaces
- Measures the amount of lead in paint without destructive sampling
- Does not require paint removal
- High speed of taking a reading
- Low cost per sample
- Results displayed on device
Paint Chip Sampling
This method determines the existence of lead-based paint on surfaces. It is not a recommended option because it is costly, time-consuming, and requires extensive repairs. Paint chip sampling requires the removal of all paint layers. An accredited lab must analyze the samples and send the results back. This can take several days.
After the sampling, it is the owner’s responsibility to repair the sampled areas. Inspectors are not responsible for repainting. If inspector finds elevated levels of lead, an accredited abatement contractor must complete the repairs. Final cleanup done with wet wiping and rinsing on the surface and the floor underneath the sampled surface.
Either method determines whether there are hazardous levels of lead in a home. It is recommended to do the lead-free inspection before tenants move in. During the inspection, the inspector takes samples or readings in every room that contains any paint. The inspector needs access to every room. There should be no items blocking an entire wall.
The interior painted tested components include:
- Air Conditioners
- Balustrades
- Baseboards
- Beams
- Cabinets
- Ceilings
- Chair Rails
- Columns
- Counter Tops
- Crown Moldings
- Doors
- Electrical Fixtures
- Fireplaces
- Floors
- Handrails
- Newel Posts
- Radiators
- Shelf Supports
- Shelves
- Stair Stringers
- Stair Treads
- Stair Risers
- Stools and Aprons
- Trims
- Walls
- Window Sashes and Trim
The exterior painted components include:
- Air Conditioners
- Balustrades
- Bulkheads
- Ceilings
- Chimneys
- Columns
- Corner Boards
- Doors and Trim
- Fascia
- Floors
- Gutters and downspouts
- Joists
- Handrails
- Lattice
- Roof
- Railing Caps
- Rake Boards
- Sashes
- Siding
- Soffits
- Stair Risers and treads
- Stair Stringers
- Window and Trim
- Fence
- Shed
- Garage
- Play Equipment
Receive a Lead Inspection Report
After the inspection, the inspector will analyze the samples or readings and prepare a report.
The report includes
- Inspector’s name
- Inspection date
- Inspector’s accreditation number
- XRF readings with positive or negative classification
- XRF/Lab methodologies
- Property address
- Location identifiers
- Results from laboratory analysis
- Construction date
- Client's name, address and phone number
- Inspector's signature
- Inspection company's name, address, and phone number
All readings must be below 0.7 mg/cm2 to pass the inspection. The property is lead-free If all samples or readings pass.
Get the Lead Certificate
After the inspection, a one time payment of $10 is due to MDE. After the payment is submitted, the certificate can be downloaded. Keep one for your records and provide a copy to your tenants. Properties with lead free certificates are considered exempt from future lead inspections.
Give Your Tenants Educational Material
Provide your tenants with the following
- Copy of the certificate
- Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pamphlet
- Notice of Tenant’ Rights pamphlet
What to do if you fail the inspection?
You will need to hire an accredited abatement contractor to remediate or abate the lead paint. The contractor must follow work safe practices. We recommend having a clearance inspection after the remediation. This ensures no elevated levels of lead dust remain.
If the abatement or remediation costs are too high for you, you can still get a lead certificate by passing the full risk reduction inspection.