LEAD PAINT TIPS FOR LANDLORDS : BALTIMORE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

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Charles Jerome Ware, LLC is a premier, Maryland-based, nationally recognized and respected landlord lead paint poisoning defense law firm.  For an initial courtesy consultation, contact the firm at (410) 720-6129. We can help you when a claim is made against you for lead poisoning.


Lead paint poisoning is one of the most prevalent environmental civil complaints made in Baltimore residential housing. Consequently, residential landlords should be aware of their obligation to disclose any existence of lead in or on their rental property, as well as their responsibility in protecting residents from exposure to this toxic "heavy metal".


The Federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 covers all residential units built before 1978, and requires rental housing owners or landlords, or their property managers, to notify their tenants that the property may contain lead-based paint.


In order to comply with Federal, State, and Local laws, landlords must do the following:


(1) Obey any state or local lead hazard reduction laws, some of which require testing and careful maintenance or removal of lead paint;
(2) Disclose known lead-based paint hazards on your property; and
(3) Provide residents with an information pamphlet from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) titled "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."


Exemptions:
All housing constructed after January 1, 1978, along with rentals that meet any of the following conditions are exempt from Federal lead-based paint regulations:
(a) Housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities;
(b) Short-term rentals of 100 days or fewer;
(c) The rental of an individual bedroom or similar room in a residential home;
(d) Certain university housing, such as dormitory housing or rentals in sorority or fraternity houses;
(e) Zero bedroom units, such as studios, lofts, or efficiencies; and
(f) Housing that has been inspected and certified as lead-free by a state-accredited lead inspector.