Lead-Based Paint Inspection
in New Jersey

Owners of single-family, two-family, and multiple rental dwellings constructed prior to 1978. Federal law also mandates disclosure of lead-based paint information for homes built before 1978 during a sale. Owner-occupied properties are not covered by the rental inspection requirement.

Every three years, or upon tenant turnover, whichever comes first. An inspection at turnover is not required where a valid lead-safe certificate is in place. An inspection at turnover resets the clock on the three-year cycle.

Three years from issuance, following the September 2024 amendment to P.L. 2021, c. 182. The earlier two-year term is still cited in older guidance, so confirm the date on your certificate rather than assuming which rule applied when it was issued.

Property owners face penalties for outstanding lead violations and have 30 days to cure after notification. Municipalities that fail to enforce the requirement can be fined as well, which is why enforcement has tightened.

A lead-safe certificate means no lead-based paint hazards were found at the time of inspection, and it expires. A lead-free certificate means no lead-based paint is present at all, and it exempts the dwelling from periodic inspections permanently.

That depends on your municipality. Where fewer than three percent of children tested have blood lead levels at or above five micrograms per deciliter, visual inspection is permitted. At three percent or above, dust wipe sampling is required.

Units constructed during or after 1978. Seasonal rentals of less than six months per year without consecutive lease renewals. Dwellings certified lead-free pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:17. Multiple dwellings registered with the Department for at least ten years with no outstanding lead violations and a recent cyclical inspection performed.

Remediation must begin within 30 days. Interim controls temporarily reduce lead exposure and require reinspection within 60 days. Lead abatement removes the hazard permanently. Either path ends with verification before the rental unit is considered compliant again.