Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an inspection take?
The time it takes to complete a service depends on several factors. This typically includes the size and age of the home/property, the condition that it is in, how many stored items are present, and how many people are in the home at the time of the inspections. All times for our services below are estimates.
A rental inspection will take about half an hour
A full risk reduction lead inspection takes about 45 min
A Limited Lead Free and Lead Free inspections can take a 2-3 hours
A home inspection will be completed in 3-4 hours.
Do I have to have an inspection to buy a home?
No, but it is highly recommended and suggested you know what you’re getting before you buy.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer discounts to service members, first responders, and teachers. Please mention this at the time of booking your inspection.
When should I schedule my inspection?
Today!
Buuut let’s clarify what inspection we’re talking about!
A Home/Property Inspection is typically scheduled after an offer is accepted. You’ll want to plan it as soon as possible, make sure to have your agent coordinate with the seller/seller’s agent.
A consultation/walkthrough inspection is ordered when inspections will be waived. This service is ideal to get a quick rough idea of the general health of the home. It will not be nearly as detailed as a Home/Property Inspection
A Baltimore City Rental Inspection is required on all Baltimore City Rental Properties (including short-term ex. Airbnb). Depending on the property a re-inspection is required to be performed before 1, 2, or 3 years after the initial inspection.
A Baltimore County Rental Inspection is s required on all Baltimore City Rental Properties (including short-term ex. Airbnb). A re-inspection is required before 3 years after the initial inspection.
Lead inspections are required in the State of Maryland for all residential rental units and daycare centers that are located in properties built before 1978.
A Limited Lead Free certificate is valid for two (2) years. Ensure you have that you have the property visually inspected for intact paint BEFORE the expiration of the certificate.
A Full Risk Reduction Lead Inspection occurs BEFORE a new tenant moves into a pre-1978 rental property.
A residential rental unit that was built after 1977 is exempt from a required lead inspection.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit card, Zelle, Cashapp
Do you offer Baltimore City rental inspections?
Yes!
Residential rental properties located in Baltimore City are required to be inspected by a Licensed Maryland State Home Inspector. You are in the right place because we (and we don’t like to brag) are Licensed Home Inspectors in Maryland State.
During this inspection, the inspector will be looking for basic life, health, and safety items to ensure the property is up to code and safe for the occupants and neighboring residents.
(Including but not limited to electrical, plumbing, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, interior and exterior sanitary conditions, utilities, and lead paint.)
We recommend that you review the inspection form to understand the requirements and make any necessary repairs prior to the inspection if a reinspection is required a fee is charged.
All initial licenses are issued for two years. When it is time for renewal you may be able to obtain a three-year license or be limited to a two- or one-year license based on your maintenance record and violation history.
The Baltimore City Rental Inspection Form:
https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/1%20&%202%20FAMILY%20DWELLING%20INSPECTION%20FORM%20rev%202-4-21.pdf
More detail about and understanding this form is the Inspection Checklist Guidance Document (or it might be information overload but its here for you):
https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/dhcd/attachments/Inspection%20Checklist%20-%20Inspector%20Guidance%20Document.pdf
If the above two links weren’t enough for you here is the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development Property Registration and Rental Licensing page:
https://baltimoremddhcd.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080
and the Baltimore City FAQ’s about rental inspections:
https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/PropertyRegistrationFAQs%2007142022.pdf
If you have more questions about the Baltimore City rental inspection form or to schedule your Baltimore City rental inspection please email us at info@N8inspections.com or click here
You can register your property at: https://baltimoremddhcd.portal.opengov.com/
Where can I register my rental property with Baltimore City?
You can create a new account or log in to your existing account at the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development website.
The link is below:
https://baltimoremddhcd.portal.opengov.com/
Do you offer Baltimore County rental inspections?
Yes we offer Baltimore County Rental Inspections.
There is one major difference between Baltimore County vs Baltimore City Rental Inspections (aside from the location) is Baltimore City requires hardwired smoke/carbon monoxide detectors OR long term (10-year) sealed battery models.
Baltimore County REQUIRES the use of HARDWIRED smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Please review the Baltimore County Rental Inspection form
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/files/Documents/Permits/rental_registration/sixandunderinspectionsheet.pdf
Baltimore County Rental Inspections are good for three (3) years.
Register or log on to your Baltimore County account here
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/pai/rental-registration/registration
Please feel free to reach out to us with your questions.
Baltimore County Contact information :
EMAIL: pairentalregistration@baltimorecountymd.gov
PHONE: 410-887-6060
Where do I register my rental property for lead?
The Maryland Lead Registration page can be found Here
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/LeadRegistration.aspx
Or you can directly go to the log in page here
https://mdolrr.mde.state.md.us/CustomPages/UserLoginPage.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f
I got positive results for lead, what happens now?
I’ll need to give more detail on each the lead inspection process.
What should I expect from a mold inspection?
An air quality inspection includes one (1) control sample and one (1) indoor test in the troubled area. Additional tests may be recommended. Each additional test is $50 each.
While the air quality tests are running the Inspector will employ the following protocols.
1. Inspection of moisture intrusion
2. Investigated water damage or stains
3. Looking for apparent mold growth and trailing patterns
4. Searching for moisture or environmental conditions conducive to mold growth.
5. Checking suspected areas with a surface moisture meter or thermal imaging camera to detect further moisture in wall cavities.
This inspection typically takes between half an hour and an hour.
How many drone pictures will I get with an aerial service?
The aerial service include 5-10 pictures.
Where can I find more information about Maryland's lead paint requirements?
Maryland Department Environment (MDE) Rental Registration Information page:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/LeadRegistration.aspx
Maryland Department Environment (MDE) Lead Information for Rental Owners page:
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/rentalowners.aspx