Published 2026-10-23
If you are planning lead paint work in Maryland, one of the first questions is who is allowed to do it. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) runs an accreditation system for people and firms who do certain kinds of lead work, such as inspections and abatement. The details of who needs what depend on the type of job, so MDE is the right place to confirm for your project.
A simple rule of thumb: before you sign anything, ask the person for their MDE accreditation and then verify it with MDE yourself. Do not rely on a card or a logo on a truck. Ask what the accreditation covers, because it can be limited to certain activities, and ask whether it is current.
Federal rules matter too. The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule covers paid renovation work in most homes built before 1978, and firms doing that work are expected to be EPA-certified. Ask if that applies to your job.
Be wary of anyone who says lead paint is not a problem and offers to just sand it down. Dry sanding and scraping old paint can spread lead dust through a home.
We are a referral service. We do not do lead work and we are not certified for it. When you send a request, we connect you with local lead pros, and you can ask each one these questions.
Quick list
- Ask for MDE accreditation and verify it.
- Ask what the accreditation covers.
- Ask whether EPA lead-safe renovation rules apply.
- Ask how dust will be contained.
- Ask who will do clearance testing.