www.charlesjeromeware.com "Here to make a difference."
Because of its historical connection with lead (Pb) in residences, industrial and commercial use, and even government buildings, Baltimore is considered "ground zero" for lead paint lawsuits. In fact, Baltimore was the first large metropolitan area in the United States to bar residential lead paint (in the 1950's). It was in 1978 that the federal government outlawed consumer and residential use of lead paint. Since the 1950's in Baltimore, then, the key points for residential rental landlords in Baltimore have been (1) knowledge of local, state and national lead paint rules, laws and statutes; (2) compliance with these rules, laws and statutes; (3) proper notice to tenants; (4)proper maintenance of rental properties; and (5) good record-keeping.
In Baltimore, lead(Pb) can be found in a variety of sources, including among others:
- Paint in homes built before 1978.
- Water pumped through leaded pipes.
- Imported items such as clay pots, some food items, pots and pans, toys, cosmetics, etc.
- Certain consumer products such as some Mexican candies, candles, make-up, jewelry, etc.
- Certain imported home remedies, etc.
The potential or actual Baltimore residential property landlord should be aware of the following, inter alia:
- If the rental house was built before 1950, the house (if not occupied by the owner) falls under the Reduction of Lead in Housing Act, which protects tenants and imposes certain duties on landlords.
In addition, owners of houses built between 1950 and 1978 may also participate in this lead poisoning prevention.
- A good resource and reference is the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) "Lead Line" website.
- A shared feature of Federal and Maryland state lead poisoning laws is that both require landlords to give tenants the pamphlet, "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
- Maryland law also requires distribution by landlords of an additional pamphlet titled "Lead Poisoning Prevention - Notice of Tenants' Rights".
- Routinely and consistently check the property for chipping, peeling or flaking paint.
[For a free initial consultation, call Attorney Charles Ware and his staff at (410) 720-6129 or (410) 730-5016.]
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