A Maryland lead inspection can play a crucial role in ensuring your property is safe for renters. Lead paint was commonly used in houses until the late 1950s. Even after that, people tended to keep it stored it in their basements because lead paint was the most durable paint you could get, as long as it was maintained.
The major concern with lead paint is that it can cause health problems for children. Lead dust tends to accumulate in places like the windowsills or on the floor, where children are often playing. It is easy for children to unknowingly ingest lead paint dust because they often put their fingers or their toys in their mouths, and those fingers or toys could have become contaminated with lead.
Does my rental property need a lead inspection?
If you want your house to be a rental property, then the state of Maryland requires you to have a lead inspection if your house was built before 1978. Peace of Mind Property Management helps arrange this inspection for you as part of our landlord services. If your house was built in 1978 or afterwards, then you are not required to have the lead inspection.
If your rental property needs a lead inspection, here is some basic information to help you prepare.
How much does a lead inspection cost?
The average price for a lead inspection is $250–300.
What does an inspection involve?
Every single room in a rental property gets tested. One of the first things an inspector will determine is if the windows are the original wood-framed ones or if they’re replacements.
If the windows are the original wood-framed ones, then they are usually painted. When the windows are opened and closed, it creates friction, which creates lead dust. The lead dust flies through the air and lands on the windowsill or the floor. So, the inspector will take samples from both the windowsill and the floor.
However, if the windows are replacements, then it’s at the inspector’s discretion whether they sample the windowsill or the floor.
How should I prepare for a lead inspection?
To prepare, a landlord needs to clean the property thoroughly, including the windowsills and floors. You need to make sure there is no chipping or peeling paint on the inside or outside of the property. If there is chipping or peeling paint, then you need to correct that before the landlord can sample the windowsills or floors.