Owners of rental homes built before 1978 must register their properties with the state, renew annually, and provide valid lead inspection certificates at each tenant turnover—unless the property is certified lead-free. Accurate records of inspections, registration, and ownership must be maintained and may be required for rent court or housing programs like Section 8. Failure to comply can result in fines and loss of legal protections.
Online registration is recommended for faster processing and is required for renewals and updates.
Paper forms are only for new properties under the same ownership and must include a tracking number. Annual renewal is due by December 31, with a $30 fee per unit. Changes in ownership require a new registration and tracking number. Ownership records must match state tax records exactly.
Finding Your Tracking Number and Additional Help
If you do not know your tracking number, there are several ways to retrieve it. Check your email inbox for messages from
mde.leadreg@maryland.gov, as these often contain your tracking number. You can also check renewal forms or postcards previously sent by our department, use the Rental Registry Property Search tool, or contact the Lead Rental Registry office.
If you are missing a property on your renewal list, or if you have multiple tracking numbers and believe they should be consolidated, you should reach out to us directly. We can help verify your property records and make any necessary corrections to ensure you remain in compliance with Maryland law.
Local Requirements and Recordkeeping
It's important to note that some counties and Baltimore City require separate rental property registration and fees in addition to the state requirement. The state does not collect fees on behalf of local jurisdictions. Always keep a copy of your registration form and lead inspection certificates. These documents may be necessary for registering with local governments, accessing rent court, or applying for programs like Section 8 housing assistance.
Contact Us
For questions or to request forms, property owners may contact us at 410-537-4199 or via the email address above. When contacting the office, it’s helpful to provide your name, tracking number, phone number, email address, and a clear description of your question to help staff assist you more efficiently.
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