Step-by-Step Guide: Notice of Defect & Modified Risk Reduction Inspection (Maryland)

If you've received a Notice of Defect for your property in Maryland, it means lead paint hazards must be corrected immediately to protect your tenants. You have 30 days to fix the issues and pass a Modified Risk Reduction Inspection.

This guide walks you through the full process so you can stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Step 1: What Is a Notice of Defect?

A Notice of Defect is issued when:

  • Lead hazards (like peeling paint or lead dust) are found inside the home
  • A child under 6 or a pregnant woman lives in the unit

As the property owner, you're legally required to fix the hazard within 30 days or risk fines and legal action.

Step 2: Hire a Certified Inspector

You must hire a Maryland-certified lead paint inspector to assess the issue and guide you on required repairs.

Step 3: Fix the Lead Hazards

Based on the inspector’s findings, you'll need to repair or replace the following:

  • Peeling Paint: Scrape, seal, and repaint chipping areas
  • Windows & Doors: Repair or replace friction surfaces to stop lead dust
  • Final Cleaning: Use HEPA vacuuming and wet cleaning to remove all dust

Only certified EPA contractors should do this work to ensure legal compliance and safety.

Step 4: Get a Dust Wipe Test

After repairs, your inspector will collect dust samples from floors, sills, and wells. These will be sent to a lab to confirm your unit is safe for occupancy.

Step 5: Pass the Inspection

To pass the Modified Risk Reduction Inspection, you must:

  1. Repair all visible lead hazards
  2. Pass the dust wipe lab test
  3. Receive a valid 330 Certificate of Compliance from your inspector

Step 6: Provide Results to Your Tenants

Once you've passed:

  • Give your tenants a copy of the 330 Certificate
  • Share the dust test results
  • Keep all documents on file for your records

Need Help? We Handle It All.

At #00 Lead Inspections & Abatements LLC, we handle the entire process — from initial inspection to final clearance. We make sure your property meets all Maryland lead safety requirements.

📞 Call 443‑839‑3565 or book online to schedule your lead inspection today.

Step-by-Step Guide: Investing in a Lead-Based Paint Rental Property

Step 1: Learn the Lead Paint Rules

  • If the property was built before 1978, it may have lead paint. Landlords must ensure it’s safe for tenants.
  • Learn your responsibilities under Maryland's Lead Risk Reduction in Housing Act and federal EPA laws.

Step 2: Inspect the Property for Lead Hazards

  • Hire a certified lead paint inspector to check for hazards like peeling, chipping, or cracked paint.
  • If lead is found, get a detailed report showing what needs repair.

Step 3: Fix Any Lead Paint Problems

  • Negotiate with the seller to repair lead hazards or budget for fixing them after purchase.
  • Use EPA-certified contractors to repair peeling paint, replace windows, or encapsulate surfaces.

Step 4: Register the Property

  • All Maryland rental homes built before 1978 must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
  • Pay the annual fee and keep your registration current.

Step 5: Get a Lead-Safe Certificate

  • After making repairs, have the property reinspected.
  • The inspector will issue a Lead-Free Certificate (if all lead is removed) or a Full Risk Reduction Certificate (if it's lead-safe).

Step 6: Keep the Property Lead-Safe

  • Check regularly for peeling or cracked paint.
  • Fix problems quickly to stay compliant with MDE rules.

Step 7: Educate Your Tenants

  • Give each new tenant the EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Form and the “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet.
  • Encourage tenants to report any peeling paint or dust immediately.

Step 8: Get Ready to Rent

  • Finish all repairs and clean thoroughly using a HEPA vacuum and wet-wipe method.
  • Get a final inspection and certificate before allowing move-in.

Step 9: Stay Compliant

  • Renew your MDE property registration every year.
  • Before each new tenant, complete a visual inspection and confirm the unit is lead-safe.

Step 10: Grow Your Rental Business

  • Target properties that are lead-free or have minor issues that are easy to fix.
  • Stay current on Maryland and EPA lead laws to protect tenants and your investments.