Do you own a rental unit in Maryland? Read on...

Rental property owners across Maryland have passed a crucial deadline for proper leasing of their units built prior to 1950. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) reminds rental property owners that as of February 24, 2006, all units constructed before 1950 must have had at least one lead hazard risk reduction treatment. Failure to comply with this law may result in a fine of $250 per day. Although the February 24, 2006 deadline --- known as the 100% Rule --- is part of Maryland’s lead law that has been in effect for the last decade, Governor Ehrlich’s initiative passed into law last year added the important measure of setting the standard for initiating intervention when a blood lead level of 10 micrograms per deciliter is found. Mandatory remediation of lead hazards in the home upon a single blood lead level test of 10 micrograms per deciliter is the most protective level in the nation, and --- along with implementation of the 100% Rule --- is intended to reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning while maintaining an acceptable stock of affordable housing. For more information on Maryland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program or the February 24th deadline, call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (410) 537-3942.