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For answers to questions or an initial free consultation , contact Attorney Charles Ware at the Maryland-based national law firm of Charles Jerome Ware, Attorneys and Counselors, LLC :
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For residential rental landlords in certain areas of Baltimore, lead paint claims are virtually epidemic. There are essentially two key reasons for this problem : (1) the large number of pre-1978 built houses and apartments ( which included lead paint when constructed) and (2) the substantial use of lead (Pb) for industrial purposes in Baltimore's history.
There are certain fundamental tips I advise my residential landlord clients in Baltimore and other major Northeast metropolitan areas of the United States. A few of them are as follows:
1. Before purchasing the residential property, do a thorough background investigation of it;
particularly if the property was built prior to 1978. Try to avoid purchasing properties with known lead and other environmental hazards.
2. Engage in lawful and due-diligent background checks of potential tenants, including credit reports, references, criminal background checks etc.
3. Be diligent in repair and maintenance of the rental property; particularly with respect to environmental hazards such as lead (Pb) paint, asbestos, mold, etc.
4. Use qualified and government-certified workers ( Maryland Department of the Environment, or MDE; and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA) for all lead, asbestos and mold-abatement work.
5. Provide lawful and proper notice to tenants of and both potential and actual lead paint and other environmental hazards [ and see, TITLE X(10), etc.].
6. Seek and acquire adequate lead and other environmental hazard liability insurance, and other appropriate rental insurance.
7. Acquire lead-free certifications from the government for your rental properties.
8. Keep good tenant and rental property records.
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