The Maryland Lead Risk Reduction in Housing Law requires inspections to be preformed on rental units that were constructed prior to 1978. Only accredited inspectors are qualified to provide these inspection services. The Law also requires registration, fee payment and distribution of educational materials in addition to the inspection requirements. COS Environmental is accredited in providing these risk reduction inspections.

Risk Reduction Certification
A Full Risk Reduction inspection is generally conducted in a vacant unit prior to occupancy by a new tenant. An accredited inspection contractor may issue a certificate, which indicates that there is a reduced risk of lead exposure in a rental unit.
The Full Risk Reduction standard is met by passing a visual inspection to ensure no peeling, chipping or flaking paint exists and a laboratory test analysis from dust wipes taken within the interior rooms of the rental unit.  

Your property must first be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) prior to having your rental property inspected.  Obtain a 7-digit tracking number. This number is unique to the property owner. We need this number before we can schedule your appointment.

You can find more about the registration process below and the direct link to MDE to register.

Rental property registration Info- https://onestop.md.gov/licenses/lead-paint-rental-unit-registration-5d1540a854f24d03e9997f4b

Direct to MDE – https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/land/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/LeadRegistration.aspx

Preparation for lead paint inspection

Note: All lead paint inspectors are required by law to notify MDE at least 24 hours prior to an inspection appointment – they may show up at the property to audit the inspection.

Prior to having a lead dust/visual inspection, ensure ALL paint (including stains, polyurethane, varnish, etc…) is intact. Per Maryland Law there should be NO peeling, chipping, cracking, or flaking paint. This includes paint you know does not contain lead.

The list below includes some interior areas to make sure you check (there may be others). *Walls, ceiling, window sills, window frames, window wells, stairs, crown moldings, doors, cabinets, railings, radiators, countertops, trim, fireplaces, fireplace mantles, beams, etc…

On the exterior of the property and locations within 75 feet look at these areas (there may be more)     *Air Conditioners, Balcony, Chimneys, Columns, Corner Boards, Doors and Trims, Stairs, Windows and Trim, Siding, Gutters and Downspouts, Fascia board, Fences, Close line Pole, Playground Equipment, Sheds and Garages or any other outbuildings accessible to tenant

There should be no debris on floors. The inspector will take dust wipe samples from floors, window sills or window wells as required. Clean these surfaces thoroughly!

Cleaning Tips: Lead dust needs a detergent cleaner (like Simple Green, Spic N’ Span, or D-Lead) or a specialized lead dust cleaner to break the bond with surfaces. Bleach or glass cleaners should not be used. All cleaning should be completed at least one hour prior to the inspection. Vacuum carpets & shampoo if needed.  (Hepa vacuum is recommended and Hepa-graded bags can be put in most vacuums) After cleaning there should be no foot traffic before or during the inspection.

The inspector will not take dust wipe samples if any paint is not intact or dust/debris is found on the floor and a $60 trip fee will be charged.

If the all interior/exterior paint is in good condition and the unit is clean, there should be no problem proceeding with AND PASSING the dust-wipe test.  

Full Risk Reduction -$140.00 per unit plus $10 per dust wipe and the required blank (1 per 20 dust wipes). This cost includes the visual inspection, dust-wipe sampling, lab costs, Lead Certificate and all filing with MDE. 

Turn around time is generally 5-7 business days from date of inspection.  Rush inspections have additional charge depending on number of dust wipes and turn around time needed.

Consultation Fee: $60 -This is if property not ready for the inspection in which I will consult with you how to make the inspection go well for the return visit.  

Required Dust Wipes: (Includes Rooms, Hallways & Stairways)

*Rooms with original windows -2 wipes required in each room. Sill or floor and well.

*Rooms with replacement windows -1 wipe required in each room.  Sill or Floor.

*Room with no window- 1 wipe required in each room. Floor  

Re-Inspection fee: On any failed inspections, visual or dust wipes the rate is $70 plus $15 per any dust wipes.  The re-inspection must be made on the room involved at the same area tested previously or area of visual inspection failure.

This must be completed within 10 days of the initial lab results.  

Winter Weather Waiver Inspection Release and Reports  -$60.00

(Exterior waivers are available for Full Risk Reduction certificates from November 1-April 1, and the waivers expire on April 30) 

***Payment is Due 7 days from day of inspection or upon receipt of Certificate and Reports. 3% late fee per day after.