Maryland Rental Lead Paint Disclosure Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Moving into a rental home in Maryland? It's important to know your rights regarding lead paint and hazard disclosures. Maryland law requires landlords to tell renters about any presence of lead-based paint and certain hazards, which helps protect your health and prevent legal issues down the road.

What Is Lead Paint and Why Does It Matter?

Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. Exposure to lead, especially for young children and pregnant women, can cause serious health problems. That's why both federal and Maryland state laws require landlords to notify renters if their home may contain lead paint hazards.

Maryland Lead Paint Laws: Key Requirements for Rentals

Maryland has some of the nation's strongest laws for reducing lead poisoning in rental properties. The main requirements include:

• Disclosure Requirement: Landlords must give renters written information about known lead-based paint hazards and provide required disclosures before renting homes built before 1978.
• Certification: For most residential rentals built before 1978, the property must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) as a “lead-safe” or “lead-free” property.
• Required Inspections: Landlords must have the property inspected by an MDE-accredited lead inspector before each change of occupancy, and provide a copy of the lead inspection certificate to the renter.

Federal Disclosure Forms You Should Receive

If you’re renting a property built before 1978, your landlord must give you:

• EPA's "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home" Booklet
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form for Rental Properties (EPA form) – Both you and your landlord need to sign this form before the lease starts.

These documents help you understand possible risks and document that the landlord provided all legal disclosures.

Maryland State Lead Paint Certificate

• Form Name: Lead Paint Risk Reduction or Full Risk Reduction Certificate (Form 330)
• When and How It's Used: Landlords must have an accredited inspector issue this certificate after inspecting the unit to ensure it meets safety standards. The landlord must then provide you, the renter, a copy before you move in. For example, before signing your lease, ask your landlord for the latest certificate; if they cannot provide it, that may be a red flag.

Where to File a Lead Paint Complaint

• The Maryland Department of the Environment Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (MDE Lead Program) oversees rental lead paint rules and complaints.
• If you suspect your landlord did not provide the required forms or certification, contact MDE or file a complaint using their Online Environmental Complaint Form.

What Should Renters Do?

If you’re about to rent or move into a Maryland home built before 1978, protect yourself by:

• Requesting and reviewing the lead inspection certificate (Form 330) for your rental unit
• Reading all federal and state lead paint disclosures given by your landlord
• Contacting MDE if you have not received proper forms or if you suspect unaddressed hazards

Helpful Forms and Where to Find Them

• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (Federal) – Used when leasing any property built before 1978.
• Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate (Maryland Form 330) – Essential for renters in pre-1978 properties.

For more forms or to learn about Maryland’s rental lead laws, visit the MDE Lead Poisoning Prevention Program page.

FAQ: Maryland Lead Paint Disclosures for Renters

1. What do I do if my landlord won’t provide a lead paint certificate?
   If your landlord refuses or cannot provide a valid lead paint certificate (Form 330) for a rental built before 1978, you should contact the Maryland Department of the Environment Lead Program to report the issue.
2. Do all rentals in Maryland require lead paint disclosure?
   No. Only homes built before 1978 require lead paint disclosures and certifications. Newly built homes do not need these forms.
3. What if I already signed a lease but didn’t get a lead disclosure?
   You can still request the forms from your landlord or file a complaint with MDE. Lack of proper disclosure could also provide grounds for legal remedies under Maryland law.
4. Can I withhold rent if my landlord violates lead safety rules?
   You should never withhold rent without legal advice, but you may seek remedies through MDE or your local court. Consult the Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division for your options.
5. Who enforces lead paint disclosure laws in Maryland?
   The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is responsible for enforcement and complaint investigations related to lead paint in rentals.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Renters in homes built before 1978 are entitled to clear lead paint disclosures and an official inspection certificate.
• Always ask for and keep a copy of your lead paint certificate (Form 330).
• If you encounter problems, Maryland's MDE is your key resource for help and complaints.

Knowing your rights helps ensure a safer home for you and your family.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Department of the Environment: Lead Poisoning Prevention Program – Main agency for lead rental disclosures
• Maryland Legal Aid – Lead Issues Help
• Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Submit a Lead Paint Complaint to MDE

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1. Maryland Department of the Environment Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
2. Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate (Form 330)
3. EPA Lead Disclosure Rules
4. Maryland Code, Environment § 6-8A (Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention)
5. Maryland People's Law Library: Lead Poisoning Prevention for Renters

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