Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do the new laws mean?
A. In spring of 2012, Maryland passed a new law that moved the cutoff date for required lead paint inspections from 1950 to 1978. The law went into effect on January 1, 2015. This means all pre-1978 rental homes with a tenant turnover need a lead paint inspection. Most homes that fall under the new law are likely lead-free or limited lead-free. The majority of landlords are employing two different strategies to deal with the new law:

• Strategy 1 — Start testing now and perform complete cutting and remodeling to receive the certificates and ensure all properties are in compliance without any lapses.
• Strategy 2 — As tenants move out, we perform the inspection and send you the full risk reduction clearance inspection certificate.

Q. How do I pass the full risk reduction inspection?
A. First, there should be no chipping, peeling, or flaking paint anywhere on the inside, outside, or basement. Secondly, we complete the dust wipes, which properties typically fail because of the following:

• Wooden Windows — With wooden windows, we are required to take two swipes per room. One of those swipes is from the window well, which must be spotlessly clean. The window well is the area the window sash closes down on top of. You have to lift the window up to clean the well.
• Basement Floors — Unfinished basement floors have a very high propensity to fail the dust swipes. Cleaning them is an option, but it's tough to get them clean. In most cases, we recommend painting the floors if they are raw concrete.
• After a Rehab — During a rehab, lead dust flies everywhere. It's really important to have the property spotlessly clean. Also, when a tenant moves out, the property needs to be cleaned.