State: 1000s Of Landlords Haven't Met Lead Registry Rule

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Maryland Department of the Environment says it's sending out 87,000 letters to landlords who haven't registered their rental units under a law meant to reduce childhood lead poisoning.

The agency said Thursday the rule applies to rental units built between 1950 and 1978.

The department says more than 50,000 units have been registered under a state law requiring registration by Jan. 1, 2015.

The state can assess penalties of $20 per unit per day to properties that are not in compliance.

The department says childhood lead poisoning decreased in Baltimore City and across Maryland last year to the lowest level since data collection began under a law passed in 1994.

The agency says childhood lead poisoning cases have decreased by 98 percent since the law was enacted.
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