Lead‑Safe Compliance for Older College Park Rentals

If you own or are eyeing a pre‑1978 rental in College Park, you’re smart to ask about lead safety now, not later. Older paint can create dust that harms children and adults, and noncompliance can slow your leasing plans and add unexpected costs. In this guide, you’ll get a clear checklist to meet the rules, plan a budget for repairs, and find the right local contacts to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What lead‑safe compliance means in College Park

Lead compliance is about two goals: protect health and follow the rules that apply to older housing. If your College Park rental was built before 1978, you should presume lead‑based paint may be present unless a certified professional tests and documents otherwise.

Federal law requires you to disclose known lead information to tenants and provide the EPA/HUD lead safety pamphlet before a lease is signed. Renovation work that disturbs paint also has special requirements. Maryland and Prince George’s County public‑health programs can get involved when a child has an elevated blood lead level.

You do not have to guess. You can follow a straightforward workflow: identify, disclose, maintain, renovate safely, and document every step.

Know the rules: federal, Maryland, and local

Federal disclosure requirements

Before you lease a pre‑1978 unit, you must give tenants the EPA/HUD pamphlet and disclose known information about lead‑based paint. Keep signed disclosures and any reports for at least three years. You can download the required pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, from the EPA’s site: read the lead safety pamphlet. For background on the disclosure rule, see HUD’s overview of federal lead disclosure requirements.

EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP)

If you or your contractors disturb painted surfaces in pre‑1978 housing, the EPA’s RRP Rule applies. Firms must be certified and follow lead‑safe work practices that control dust and clean properly. Learn more about the rule and certified work practices at the EPA RRP program page and verify firms with the EPA certified firm lookup.

Public‑health guidance

The CDC states there is no safe blood lead level in children. Prevention, fast response, and verified cleanup after work are essential. Review the CDC’s guidance on exposure and prevention here: CDC lead information.

Maryland state and local roles

Maryland’s Department of the Environment (MDE) licenses and lists certified lead inspectors, risk assessors, and abatement firms. Start with the MDE Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the MDE lists of certified professionals to find qualified providers.

Prince George’s County Health Department manages investigations when a child has an elevated blood lead level and can require hazard control. The City of College Park also administers rental licensing and inspections. Contact both offices to confirm any local rental registration and inspection timelines that affect your property.

Step‑by‑step compliance for pre‑1978 rentals

Follow this workflow to stay compliant and protect your tenants.

A. Identify and document

• Confirm the year built through deeds, tax records, MLS data, or permits. If it is pre‑1978, presume lead‑based paint could be present.
• Gather any existing lead inspection reports, risk assessments, abatement documents, or renovation records.

B. Disclosures and tenant paperwork

• Before lease signing: provide the EPA/HUD pamphlet and a completed lead disclosure form. Disclose any known lead information and share available reports.
• Obtain the tenant’s signed acknowledgment and retain the disclosure and pamphlet record for at least three years.

C. Inspections and testing

• Consider hiring a certified lead inspector or risk assessor to pinpoint hazards and prioritize repairs.
  • A lead inspection identifies where lead is present.
  • A risk assessment identifies active hazards and recommends control options.
• If you choose not to test, assume lead is present and use lead‑safe practices for any work that disturbs paint.

D. Routine maintenance and tenant communication

• Keep all painted surfaces intact. Chipping, peeling, or damaged paint is the most common exposure source.
• Use lead‑safe maintenance practices: wet methods for scraping, minimize dust, and clean with HEPA vacuums.
• Give tenants written guidance on reporting deteriorated paint. Respond quickly and document the repair.

E. Renovations and repairs

• For any job that disturbs painted surfaces in pre‑1978 housing, ensure the contractor holds EPA certification and uses lead‑safe work practices under the RRP Rule.
• Verify certification, request a written plan that includes containment and cleanup, and require independent clearance testing where appropriate.
• Some very small jobs may be exempt under de minimis thresholds. Confirm current thresholds with EPA or MDE before assuming an exemption.

F. If a child has an elevated blood lead level

• Expect county public‑health involvement. The health department may order hazard control and set timelines.
• Be ready to provide documents showing what work was completed and the results of any clearance testing.

G. Recordkeeping that protects you

• Keep these records together: signed disclosures, lead inspection or risk assessment reports, contractor certifications, scopes of work, invoices, clearance test results, and any training certificates for maintenance staff.
• Maintain records for at least three years. Some state or local programs may expect longer retention, so keep a complete file for the life of the tenancy when possible.

Budgeting for lead hazard work

Budgeting is easier when you plan for stages and build in contingencies. Costs vary by property size, the number of rooms affected, and whether you choose interim controls or full abatement.

Typical project pathway

1. Inspection or risk assessment to identify hazards.
2. Scope development and bids from certified firms.
3. Interim controls or abatement work (encapsulation, enclosure, stabilization, component replacement, or full removal).
4. Independent clearance testing to verify dust levels are below permissible limits.
5. Follow‑up maintenance and monitoring.

Cost components

• Inspection or risk assessment fees.
• Contractor labor, materials, containment, and specialized cleaning.
• Clearance testing by an independent third party.
• Temporary relocation if needed for scope or for vulnerable occupants.
• Permits or local fees, if applicable.
• Waste handling and disposal.
• Administrative time for recordkeeping and coordination.

Planning‑level cost ranges

• Inspections and risk assessments often run from a few hundred dollars into the low thousands depending on methods and property size.
• Localized interim controls such as paint stabilization or targeted component work may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Larger abatement projects can run from several thousand into the tens of thousands depending on scope and complexity.
• Clearance testing typically costs a few hundred dollars per visit.

These are broad planning ranges. Get local quotes from certified firms to refine your budget.

Get reliable quotes and reduce surprises

• Get at least three bids from state‑ or EPA‑certified lead contractors.
• Ask for itemized scopes that separate interim controls from abatement and spell out containment, cleaning, disposal, and clearance testing.
• Require independent clearance testing and certified lab reports.
• Verify certifications and insurance through MDE and EPA before you sign.
• Confirm whether MDE requires any additional reporting for abatement projects.

Funding and assistance

Maryland and federal programs sometimes offer grants or low‑interest financing for lead hazard control. Program availability changes, so check with MDE and your county health department for current options. HUD materials and MDE notices are good starting points, and local housing nonprofits may offer referrals or low‑cost testing.

Quick printable checklist

• Verify year built and flag pre‑1978 units.
• Provide the EPA/HUD pamphlet and complete federal lead disclosures before lease signing.
• Assemble a file with all prior lead reports and renovation records.
• Hire a certified inspector or risk assessor if you want a clear hazard map before renovations.
• Use certified RRP firms for any paint‑disturbing work; confirm certification in writing.
• Require independent clearance testing after abatement and for substantial interim controls.
• Keep all records for at least three years, preferably longer.
• Set up a tenant reporting process for deteriorated paint and respond quickly.
• Contact City of College Park code enforcement to confirm rental licensing and inspections.
• Call Prince George’s County Health Department if a child has an elevated blood lead level or if you need local guidance.

Who to call and where to verify

• EPA RRP requirements and firm verification: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program and EPA certified firm lookup.
• Required pamphlet for tenants: Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.
• Federal disclosure overview: HUD lead disclosure rule.
• Public‑health background: CDC lead guidance.
• Maryland state resources: MDE Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and MDE certified provider lists.
• Local contacts: City of College Park code enforcement and Prince George’s County Health Department Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for rental licensing details, case management, and local requirements.

How The Foley Group can help

Buying or holding an older rental takes planning. Our team regularly guides buyers and small investors through value‑add purchases, helps you line up certified inspectors and contractors, and builds practical renovation timelines that keep you compliant and on budget. If you plan to list a rental later, we also advise on targeted pre‑sale improvements to maximize your outcome.

Want a local referral list or a second set of eyes on your plan for an older College Park rental? Reach out and we’ll help you move forward with confidence. Contact Unknown Company to start the conversation.

FAQs

What counts as lead‑safe compliance for College Park rentals?

• For pre‑1978 units, you should presume lead is present unless tested, provide the federal pamphlet and disclosures before lease signing, use certified RRP firms for paint‑disturbing work, keep painted surfaces intact, and maintain thorough records.

Do I have to test for lead before renting a pre‑1978 College Park unit?

• No federal rule requires testing before leasing, but you must disclose known information and provide the pamphlet; testing is strongly recommended to plan maintenance, prevent exposure, and manage renovation risk.

When do I need an EPA‑certified contractor in College Park?

• If work will disturb painted surfaces in pre‑1978 housing, the RRP rule generally applies, which means using certified firms and lead‑safe work practices; verify any small‑job exemptions with EPA or MDE before you assume an exemption.

How long until a renovated unit is safe to re‑occupy?

• Timing depends on scope and scheduling; you should wait for independent clearance testing to confirm dust levels are below permissible limits, especially after abatement or substantial interim controls.

Who pays for lead hazard work in a College Park rental?

• Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining safe, habitable housing and addressing hazards; county health departments may require owner action when a child has an elevated blood lead level, and lease terms do not override these obligations.