Turnover is a busy time for any landlord. Cleaning, repainting, key changes, listing the unit and screening applicants all compete for the same days. If your rental was built before 1978, lead inspection belongs on that list too.
One approach many landlords use is to treat lead as a step in the move-out sequence rather than an afterthought: confirm the move-out date, schedule the inspection for the empty unit, handle any repairs, then clean and clear before the next tenant arrives. Starting early gives you room if repairs or a re-inspection are needed.
Painting during turnover deserves care. Sanding or scraping old paint in a pre-1978 unit can create lead dust. If the paint is peeling or you plan to disturb it, ask a lead pro how to do it safely, and ask whether the inspection should happen before or after the work.
We connect you with local lead pros who handle rental inspections and related repair in the Baltimore area. Ask each one for MDE accreditation.
Quick list
- Confirm the move-out date and unit condition.
- Book the inspector while the unit is empty.
- Do repairs using lead-safe methods.
- Clean the unit using lead-appropriate methods.
- Keep the paperwork for the file.