Lead Paint Laws

[Scott C.]

I came across this story today on the Journal of Light Construction website, 

http://www.jlconline.com/leadsafe-practices/storm-...

What are your thoughts concerning this development?

Do think other states will follow Maryland lead, if so when?

[Beth L.]

@Scott C. @Kimberly T. 

This is actually not a new law, it's just that they made mandatory certain aged houses. It used to be anything built before 1950 required testing and certification, and built from 1951 - 1978 was voluntary.

My older duplex was built in 1920, so nothing has changed for me. The $30 fee per unit/per year, is really not that big a deal, it's the cost of having the test done at each turnover. You have to have swab tests done at a window in each room (or the floor), and if the windows are old and not replacements, you need two per window. My cost at each turnover for this testing is over $200, and I have replacement windows. It would be much more if I didn't, since they charge per swab.

They really want the older areas revitalized, but with this kind of racket, I don't even look at older homes anymore. Shame.