Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, §§ 1315–1331 (housing) § 1331
Registry of leased lead-safe residential dwellings
Operative Text
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Lead-based paint" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 1291, subsection 16 . B. "Residential dwelling" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 1291, subsection 26‑A . 2. Registry. The department shall maintain a registry of leased residential dwellings built before 1978 that are lead-safe as designated by the residential dwelling owners in accordance with subsection 3 . 3. Designation as lead-safe. A leased residential dwelling may be designated as lead-safe for the purposes of this section if the residential dwelling owner has submitted to the department an application for the leased residential dwelling to be placed on the registry created pursuant to subsection 2 . Submission of an application to the registry is voluntary on the part of the residential dwelling owner. 4. Application. The application under subsection 3 must be submitted together with a report by a lead inspector that indicates that the leased residential dwelling has been tested for the presence of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or a report by a lead dust sampling technician that indicates the leased residential dwelling has been tested for lead-contaminated dust. The report must indicate that the leased residential dwelling meets the requirements for inclusion on the registry in accordance with the standards and procedures established by the department.
Maine law under 22 M.R.S. § 1331 establishes a voluntary state registry of leased residential dwellings built before 1978 that have been tested and found to be lead-safe. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (or its designated department) maintains this registry, which is populated based on owner applications accompanied by qualifying inspection reports. A dwelling earns the 'lead-safe' designation only when a licensed lead inspector or lead dust sampling technician has tested it and confirmed it meets the department's established standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 22 M.R.S. § 1331, participation in Maine's lead-safe registry is entirely voluntary, so operators of pre-1978 leased residential dwellings are not required to apply. Landlords who do choose to pursue the designation typically obtain a qualifying inspection report from a licensed lead inspector or lead dust sampling technician confirming the property meets the department's standards, then submit that report alongside a completed application to the department. Being listed on the registry can signal to prospective tenants that the property has been formally tested for lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 22 M.R.S. § 1331 gives tenants a way to check whether a pre-1978 leased residential dwelling has been voluntarily placed on Maine's lead-safe registry by its owner. Because registration is optional, a dwelling's absence from the registry does not necessarily mean it contains lead hazards, nor does its presence guarantee complete freedom from all lead risks. Tenants with concerns about lead conditions in their home may consult the Maine registry directly, reach out to the department that administers it, or contact a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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