Real Estate Bits and Pieces

Cheverly, Maryland

Informal observations about Prince George's County Real Estate and happenings around our local area. I'm Susan Pruden, in Cheverly Maryland and I welcome your comments and participation.

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Landlord News

Landlords in Maryland - Take Note!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Categorized in: Landlord News

Tagged with: landlord, lead paint, registration, rental

We had a new law go into effect on October 1, 2008 that allows a tenant to terminate a lease when a property owner has not complied with Maryland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LPPP). The legislation also sets forth a procedure for terminating the underlying lease when a landlord cannot show a tenant that the landlord has complied with risk reduction standards under the LPPP. The bill allows a tenant to recover reasonable attorney fees and $2,500 in moving expenses.

Landlords, get your registrations up to date! The deadline is 12/31/08. For a recap on requirements, read on.

Starting in 1996, Maryland rental properties built before 1950 have to be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and in compliance with lead risk reduction or lead free standard. Lots of landlords are either unaware of these requirements or just don't worry about it. Be beware - it can cost you!

All rental properties built prior to 1950 MUST be in compliance or owners may face fines of $250 per day. Properties built between 1950 and 1978 may opt in or opt out of the program. Visit MDE's website for more information.

In addition to having conducted lead hazard risk reduction treatments, pre-1950 rental property owners must annually register their unit(s) with MDE, perform risk reduction work each time there is a change in tenants and provide tenants with information on the lead status of their unit. For more information on Maryland's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (410)537-3942.

If you own rental properties, or are thinking of becoming a landlord be sure to read the Summary of Owners Rights and Responsibilities. It explains a lot about the benefits of this program.

For lots more information on lead paint, there are several brochures available here.

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Lead Paint in Rental Housing -- Don't be fined!

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Categorized in: Landlord News

Tagged with: landlord news

Starting in1996, rental properties in Maryland had to be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and in compliance with lead risk reduction or lead free standard. Lots of landlords either were unaware of these requirements or just didn't worry about it.

Effective February 24, 2006, all rental properties built prior to 1950 MUST be in compliance or owners may face fines of $250 per day. If you can't get your property certified by the February 24th deadline, you may contact MDE to enter into a settlement agreement. Visit MDE's website for more information.

In addition to having conducted lead hazard risk reduction treatments, pre-1950 rental property owners must annually register their unit(s) with MDE, perform risk reduction work each time there is a change in tenants and provide tenants with information on the lead status of their unit. For more information on Maryland's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program or the Feb. 24 deadline, call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (410)537-3942.