Before Rental Authorization

Before the City of Hagerstown can authorize a residential property to be rented, the owner of the residential property shall state in writing to the city, under penalty of perjury, the lead paint status of the property. The Maryland Lead Risk Reduction in Housing Law requires inspections be conducted on affected properties.

Affected Properties

An affected property is a residential rental property that was built prior to 1978 for which money or services are collected for rent. A lead paint certification number is issued upon the successful inspection of a rental property, and this number must be supplied to Neighborhood Services as part of rental licensing.

Contractors

The Maryland Department of the Environment maintains lists of accredited contractors who are authorized to do lead paint inspections. Only accredited inspectors are qualified to provide these inspection services.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Maryland law requires registration, fee payment, and distribution of educational materials in addition to the inspection requirements. You may call (410) 537-4199 or (800) 776-2706 for further information about these topics, or log onto the Maryland Department of the Environment.