MDE-Accredited Inspectors

Lead Paint Inspection & Testing Services

Lead-based paint may still be present in older homes—and it’s not always visible. Even small amounts of lead exposure can pose serious health risks, especially for children and long-term occupants. A professional lead paint inspection helps identify hidden hazards so you can make informed decisions and protect your home environment.

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When You Need a Lead Paint Inspection

  • You’re buying or selling a home built before 1978
  • You’re planning renovations or repairs
  • You want to ensure your home is safe for children
  • You want to identify potential health risks in older properties

Understanding Maryland’s Lead Paint Law

SureSight Property Consultants provides professional Lead Paint Inspection and Testing Services. As Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)–accredited Lead Paint Visual Inspectors, our certified evaluations ensure full compliance with Maryland law while protecting tenants, families, and property investments from the severe dangers of lead exposure.

Under Maryland law, any rental dwelling unit built before 1978 must, at minimum, meet the Risk Reduction Standard before being rented. The goal is to protect occupants—especially children—from exposure to lead-based paint dust or chips that can cause serious health issues.

Current MDE Lead Dust Clearance Standards (effective July 1, 2020):

Area Tested Old Standard Current Standard
Floor ≥ 40 µg/ft² ≥ 10 µg/ft²
Window Sill ≥ 250 µg/ft² ≥ 100 µg/ft²
Window Well ≥ 400 µg/ft² ≥ 100 µg/ft²

Note: All lead inspections must be reported to MDE at least 24 hours in advance, and an auditor may arrive on-site to observe the inspection.

Types of Lead Inspections

Full Risk Reduction Inspection

Required whenever a pre-1978 rental unit is first registered, changes tenants, or when there has been lead abatement work.

  • Comprehensive interior and exterior visual evaluation for deteriorated paint.
  • Collection of 10 dust-wipe samples (plus one field blank) from floors, windowsills, and window wells.
  • Laboratory analysis of dust samples for lead content.
  • Same-day Pass/Fail Certificate issued once lab results are received.
  • Specific guidance on remediation steps and re-inspection if any room fails.

Modified Risk Reduction Inspection

Required when a tenant notifies the property owner of peeling, chipping, or flaking paint.

  • Verifies that the reported area has been properly repaired and repainted.
  • Ensures the entire dwelling meets MDE’s current lead dust standards.
  • Confirms all necessary documentation is complete for continued compliance.

What We Inspect

Painted Surfaces

Walls, trim, windows, and other areas where lead-based paint may be present.

Deteriorating Paint

Peeling, chipping, or damaged paint that may pose exposure risks.

High-Risk Areas

Windows, doors, and friction surfaces where lead dust is more likely.

Testing & Verification

Assessment methods to identify the presence of lead-based materials.

Why Lead Paint Inspection Matters

  • Protect your family from harmful lead exposure
  • Identify hidden hazards in older homes
  • Prepare for safe renovations and repairs
  • Make informed decisions when buying or selling

Additional Environmental Services

Lead & Copper Water Quality Testing

Recommended for properties built before 1978 or with aging plumbing. This targeted water test detects lead and copper contamination in drinking water that may leach from pipes, solder, or fixtures.

Even in cities with safe municipal systems, older homes can experience elevated levels due to on-site plumbing corrosion. Protect your tenants and family by verifying that your water meets safe drinking standards.

Pricing & Turnaround

Full or Modified Risk Reduction Inspection

Starting at Est. $300

  • Includes: Full interior/exterior visual inspection, 10 dust samples, and 1 control sample.
  • Turnaround Time: Approx. 3 business days from sampling date.
  • Rush Lab Options: Next-day or same-day processing available for an additional fee.
  • Discounts: Available for repeat clients, multiple units, re-inspections, or combined rental inspections.

Pass/Fail certificates are emailed promptly after lab results are finalized. Exact pricing is confirmed directly through Spectora based on property specifics.

Lead Paint Inspection – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lead paint inspection, and why is it required? +
A lead paint inspection is a certified evaluation that determines whether lead-based paint hazards are present in residential or rental properties built before 1978. In Maryland, property owners are legally required to have these homes inspected and certified to meet the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Risk Reduction Standards before they can be rented.
Who needs a lead paint inspection in Maryland? +
Any owner of a residential rental property built before 1978 must comply with Maryland’s Full or Modified Risk Reduction inspection requirements. These inspections are designed to prevent lead exposure and protect tenants, particularly children and pregnant women, from lead poisoning caused by deteriorated paint or dust.
What’s the difference between a Full and Modified Risk Reduction Inspection? +
Full Risk Reduction: Required when registering a pre-1978 property, changing tenants, or after lead abatement work. It includes a complete interior and exterior visual inspection plus laboratory testing of dust samples.

Modified Risk Reduction: Required when a tenant reports peeling, chipping, or flaking paint. It ensures repairs were completed correctly and that the property meets current MDE dust clearance standards.
What are the current MDE dust clearance standards? +
As of July 1, 2020, the following thresholds apply:
• Floor ≥ 10 µg/ft²
• Window Sill ≥ 100 µg/ft²
• Window Well ≥ 100 µg/ft²

These standards are significantly stricter than previous regulations, ensuring a safer environment for occupants.
What does a Full Risk Reduction Inspection include? +
It includes a comprehensive interior and exterior visual evaluation, collection of 10 dust-wipe samples (plus one control sample), laboratory analysis for lead content, and a same-day Pass/Fail Certificate (issued after lab results). If a test fails, we provide clear guidance for remediation and can perform a re-inspection after corrections are completed.
How much does a lead paint inspection cost? +
Starting at $300 for a Full or Modified Risk Reduction Inspection. This includes the visual inspection, 10 dust samples, and 1 control sample. Turnaround time is approximately 3 business days, with rush lab options available. We also offer discounts for multiple units, repeat clients, or combined services.
How do I prepare my property for a lead paint inspection? +
Before the inspection: Complete any painting or repair work in areas with peeling or flaking paint. Ensure the unit is clean, dust-free, and accessible. Do not perform wet cleaning immediately before the inspection, as it can affect dust sample accuracy. Confirm that all areas requiring inspection (floors, window sills, and wells) are fully accessible.
What happens if my property fails the inspection? +
If a dust sample exceeds MDE limits, SureSight will provide detailed guidance for corrective action. After repairs and cleaning, a re-inspection can be scheduled to verify compliance and issue a passing certificate.
Do you offer water testing for lead and copper? +
Yes. Our Lead & Copper Water Quality Testing service detects metal contamination that may leach from old pipes, fixtures, or solder — especially in homes built before 1978. Testing helps ensure that your drinking water meets EPA safety standards and provides documentation for landlords and homeowners.
How long does it take to get my results and certificate? +
Lab results are typically available within three business days. Once results are confirmed, you’ll receive a Pass/Fail Certificate via email. For faster turnaround, rush lab options are available.
How do I schedule a lead inspection or re-inspection? +
Scheduling is simple. Call us at (227) 238-1717, email us at [email protected], or book online through our website to schedule your appointment and report the inspection to MDE in compliance with Maryland law.

Protect Your Tenants, Your Property, and Your Compliance. Lead exposure is a serious health hazard. Ensure your property meets Maryland’s lead safety standards with a professional inspection today.

Know what’s behind your walls. Schedule your lead paint inspection today→
Scheduling note: Scheduling, agreements, and payment are completed securely in Spectora. All inspections are paid in advance unless a pay-at-closing agreement is in place. For questions, call (227) 238-1717.

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