We need all the help we can get on these. If you remember last year we only beat it by 2 votes (After they brought it back up for votes 3 times)  Lots of back scratching going on.

Call ALL you delegates NOW.  Landlord members this is going in the newsletter but we need your help NOW. Don't wait.

 NEW LEAD LAWS BEING INTRODUCED

There are 3 bills that are CRITICAL that we do something about NOW. Do Not wait.!!!!!! Decisions on two of these are set for March 4^th & 5^th. I am appalled that one of them ( HB 1153) is SPONSORED by Del. John Donoghue. Call him NOW..

LET HIM KNOW THAT IT IS NOT RIGHT. Call ALL of your delegates and Senators. They need to know what is being voted on. Call or e-mail. Nancy has provided a list of the people and contact information who will have a say over your life and your properties

HB7-976 You would no longer have the $17,000 liability cap even though you have Registered your property, gotten your inspections, and given the certificates to your insurance company. It would be sky’s the limit.

SB 504 is being reviewed in Senate on March 4^th at 1 pm.

HB 1153 reading is March 5^th at 1 pm

Bills SB 504 and HB 1153 alter the now present Lead testing requirements. Now you have the option of having a Lead Dust Wipe testing performed at turnover or a Visual Inspection ( Having a Supervisors License and following the 10 step procedure). This bill would require you to have BOTH. If your property has been tested and found to be Lead Free this won’t matter to you. Make a call anyway for everyone else.

Points to plead your case:

1. Property owners who are following the present requirements of Registering properties, having inspections prior to tenant move in, and providing insurance company with certificate are LOWERING the cases of children with Elevated Lead Levels in rental properties.

2. Washington County is showing some of the lowest levels of Lead Poisoned Children in Rental Properties in the entire State. More cases of Elevated Lead Levels and Poisoning are being found in Private homes.

3. Having Dust Wipe samples show actual surface areas and the safety of these areas. When painted or varnished surfaces are kept in stable condition regularly, special contractors are not needed because the surfaces are KEPT in good condition.

4. Having properties in a SAFE condition now will be disturbed with the additional requirements of Stripping and removal of the old materials on the window sills.

4. Cost to remove materials from the interior window sills and repaint or to cover them with a proper encapsulating material. ( this will disturb old paint)

5. Cost to become or have a Licensed Lead Supervisor available to do all of this required work.

Class is at least $250.00 , expense for taking 2 days for the class, minimum of $125.00 to have the Licensing from Maryland Department of Environment.

6. The new EPA Renovate Right Licensing includes landlords and contractors. Following these regulations will also ensure that properties are being properly maintained when work is needed. Cost of this class is $250.00. Expense for taking day for the class and traveling to where class is being given. Licensing is $300.00 (more for contracting companies)

7. Time to go after those who are NOT in compliance rather than to add more to those who have been in compliance with the law and are diligently following safe practices.

We need your voice. Thanks.