Remington Housing Workgroup
The Remington Housing Workgroup formed in 2016 to address housing issues among our community. We conducted a community-wide survey in summer 2016 and captured input from over 170 residents about their feelings regarding housing and development in Remington. The group’s goals are to connect residents with resources to maintain a safe and affordable home. The workgroup is also organizing to create a Community Land Trust that will create permanently affordable housing in the neighborhood. The workgroup meets monthly; stay tuned for the summer 2017 education workshops series.
The RHW is coordinated in partnership with United Workers!
Housing Health and Safety Committee
Though it seems like houses are being renovated on every block in Remington, many neighbors struggle to make needed repairs. Formed in 2017, the HHS Committee will raise money and work with contractors and volunteers to address home repairs that are critical to the safety of residents. Stay tuned for more announcements about participating.
Lead paint
Throughout 2015, GRIA board members researched residential rental permits in Remington and compared them with lead abatement certificates. We found many inconsistencies, showing that many Remington renters, including children, are likely being exposed to lead in their home environments. Our research was highlighted in a Baltimore Sun article about state-wide issues with lead poisoning:
Lead paint: Despite progress, hundreds of Maryland children still poisoned. Baltimore Sun. December 5, 2015. Timothy B. Wheeler and Luke Broadwater
Maryland launches investigation into ‘invalid’ lead-paint certificates. Baltimore Sun. January 28, 2016. Luke Broadwater
We are committed to assisting residents in determining if their property has been cleared of lead paint and helping tenants approach their landlords about abatement. Please e-mail us (info@griaonline.org) or connect with us at a monthly meeting if you would like more information or would like to recommend an address for assistance.
Lead paint resources
These two brochures are supposed to be distributed to tenants in any Maryland house containing lead paint before signing any lease or extension:
Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (EPA)
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: Notice Of Tenants Rights (MDE)
More information about lead paint
Does my rental dwelling have to be inspected before I move in?
Yes. The property owner must have the unit inspected at the owner’s expense. All inspections are required to be performed by an inspector accredited by MDE. If the house passes the inspection, the property owner will be given a Lead Paint Risk Reduction Inspection Certificate. This certificate will be on file at MDE. The owner is required to give you a copy of the inspection certificate when you 1800 Washington Boulevard | Baltimore, MD 21230-1718 | www.mde.state.md.us 410-537-3000 | 800-633-6101 | TTY Users: 800-735-2258 Lawrence Hogan, Governor | Boyd K. Rutherford, Lt. Governor | Ben Grumbles, Secretary Revised 03/2015 Page 2 of 5 move in. If you wish to know the results of the inspection, ask your landlord or call the Lead Hotline at 410-537-4199, 1-800-776-2706, or TTY 800-735-2258.
How do I tell the property owner about structural defects or that there is chipping, peeling, and flaking paint in my home?
You must send a notice to the property owner in writing. When sending a notice, it is suggested to send it Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested or Hand Deliver it to the property owner and obtain a signature evidencing receipt. This documentation is also useful when making a referral to MDE or your local housing department. Once the property owner receives the notice, your property must satisfy the Modified Risk Reduction Standard within 30 days.