Baltimore City has some of the oldest housing in Maryland, and rowhouses are common. Much of that housing was built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for housing. In older homes, windows, doors, stair rails, porches and trim are the usual places to check first, because paint on those surfaces gets worn down every day.
Baltimore also has a large rental market, which brings the state rental lead rules into play for many owners. City and state health and housing agencies handle lead and housing code questions. Working with the right office is half the job, and the other half is picking a qualified pro.
Rowhouses share walls, and older ones can have many layers of paint on trim and stair parts. Work in one house can affect dust in the next, so ask any pro how they contain dust and whether they will notify neighbors where it matters. Send us a request and we will connect you with local lead pros who work in Baltimore City.
Local tips
- Look up the year built in Maryland property records before you assume anything.
- Check window sills, door frames and stair parts for chipping paint first.
- Keep children and pets away from peeling areas until a pro has looked.
- Wet-wipe sills and floors rather than dry sweeping.
Questions in Baltimore City
Is lead paint common in Baltimore rowhouses?
It can be. Many were built before 1978, so it is worth checking the build year and condition of the paint.
Who handles lead questions for city residents?
Start with MDE and your city health and housing offices. We are a referral service and not a government office.
Can I rent my rowhouse without a lead inspection?
Maryland has rules for pre-1978 rental housing. See our landlord page and check with MDE.
Services
Lead Paint Removal, Lead Inspection & Clearance Testing, Lead Pipe & Water Testing, Lead Abatement for Renovations, Lead-Safe Window & Door Work, Lead Dust Cleanup. Landlords: Maryland rental lead inspection.
Nearby: Baltimore County, Towson, Dundalk, Catonsville, Essex, Glen Burnie, Columbia.