Maryland Required Disclosures: Lead Paint & Move-In Inspections

Maryland requires landlords to provide specific legal documentation and environmental disclosures to tenants before a lease is signed. Failing to provide these documents not only voids certain lease protections but exposes landlords to massive liability—particularly regarding lead paint.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a Maryland attorney. Information last verified: March 2026.

1. Maryland's Strict Lead Paint Law

Maryland has one of the most rigorous lead paint compliance programs in the United States, targeting properties built before 1978.

If the rental property was built prior to 1978, the landlord must:

1. Register the property with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
2. Obtain a Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate via an inspection by an accredited inspector every time the unit turns over to a new tenant.
3. Distribute the MDE "Notice of Tenant Rights" booklet to the tenant.
4. Distribute the EPA "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet.

Failure to comply with MDE regulations effectively strips the landlord of their ability to legally evict a tenant for unpaid rent, and exposes the landlord to thousands of dollars in fines per violation.

2. Security Deposit Receipt and Rights

When collecting a security deposit, the landlord must provide a customized, written receipt. This receipt must explicitly notify the tenant of their right to:

• Receive a written list of existing damages (if requested by certified mail within 15 days of occupancy).
• Be present during the final move-out inspection (if requested in writing at least 15 days before vacating).

If this specific language is not included in the receipt or the lease, the landlord may forfeit their right to withhold the deposit for damages at the end of the tenancy.

3. Habitability & Local Licensing

Before a lease is signed, the landlord must ensure the property meets all state and local habitability standards.

Many local jurisdictions—most notably Baltimore City and Baltimore County—require landlords to obtain a rental license. To get this license, the property must pass a health and safety inspection. If a landlord does not have the required local rental license, they cannot legally collect rent or evict a tenant for not paying rent.

4. Name and Address Disclosure

The lease must clearly state the name and address of the landlord or the person authorized to accept legal notices on behalf of the landlord. This information must be kept current.

Protect Your Portfolio with Digital Disclosures

Losing an eviction case because you can't prove you handed a tenant an MDE Lead Paint booklet is a costly administrative error. Landager digitizes all mandatory disclosures, forcing digital signatures on lead paint packets and security deposit rights before the lease is executed, guaranteeing a flawless paper trail.

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