Maryland Lead Registration: Renewal Is Due Every December 31

Do I need to register my Maryland rental for lead?

If it was built before 1978, yes. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) says: “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.”

See the lead paint registration glossary entry. Our lead paint compliance guide goes deeper.

When is the renewal due, and what does it cost?

MDE says: “Annual renewal is due by December 31, with a $30 fee per unit.”

MDE’s rental owner FAQ says a single-family rental counts as one unit. A building with more units pays per unit. Older MDE documents list other amounts. Confirm the number on the MDE page when you renew.

How do I renew?

MDE recommends online registration for faster processing and requires it for renewals and updates. Paper forms are only for new properties under the same ownership and must include a tracking number.

1. Find your tracking number. Check email from MDE, old renewal forms or postcards, the Rental Registry Property Search tool, or call the Lead Rental Registry office.
2. Check that the owner name matches state tax records exactly. MDE says ownership records must match.
3. Renew online and pay $30 per unit.
4. Save the confirmation.
5. If a property is missing from your list, or you have more than one tracking number, contact MDE and ask for help.

MDE’s contact line is 410-537-4199.

What happens at tenant turnover?

You must provide a valid lead inspection certificate at each turnover, unless the home is certified lead-free. Plan for this when a tenant gives notice. Book the inspection early so the home is ready for the next lease. See the make ready and rent ready entries for how that flows.

Why keep records?

MDE says to keep a copy of your registration form and lead inspection certificates. It says they may be needed to register with local governments, to use rent court, or to apply for programs like Section 8. It also says failure to comply “can result in fines and loss of legal protections.”

If you sell, MDE says a change in ownership needs a new registration and tracking number.

Are there local rules on top of the state rule?

Possibly. MDE says some counties and Baltimore City require separate registration and fees, and that the state does not collect those fees. In our area, Prince George’s County licenses single-family rentals, and some towns license separately. See the Southern Maryland rental license guide and the rental license entry.

What is a good December checklist?

1. List every rental built before 1978.
2. Gather tracking numbers.
3. Renew each property online before December 31.
4. File confirmations with your lease records.
5. Check which units turn over in the next 90 days and book inspections.
6. Review the Tenants’ Bill of Rights in your lease packet.

What should I have ready when I call MDE?

MDE suggests you give your name, tracking number, phone number, email address and a clear description of your question. Staff can then help faster. The office takes calls at 410-537-4199.

What are common mistakes?

1. Letting the owner name differ from state tax records. MDE says they must match exactly.
2. Using paper for a renewal. MDE requires online filing for renewals and updates.
3. Forgetting a property after a sale or purchase. A change in ownership needs a new registration and tracking number.
4. Skipping the certificate at turnover. The rule asks for a valid lead inspection certificate each time, unless the home is certified lead-free.
5. Losing records. MDE says to keep copies of registration forms and certificates.

What does a fall timeline look like?

Which homes does the rule reach?

The line is the year built. The rule covers rental homes built before 1978. A home built in 1978 or later is outside it. If you are unsure of the year, check your closing papers or county property records, and ask MDE if the records disagree.

A home that is certified lead-free does not need an inspection certificate at each turnover. Keep proof of the certification with your records.

Next step

Want someone to track renewals and certificates for you? Request a free assessment at /contact-us or call (301) 392-2172.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.