NJ Rental Units Subject to Mandatory Lead Inspections

New Law Requires Lead Hazard Checks in Older Residential Properties

Effective July 22, 2022, New Jersey has implemented a new regulation, P.L. 2021, Chapter 182, which mandates lead hazard inspections for many rental dwellings across the state. Under this law, local municipalities are required to inspect single-family, two-family, and multiple-rental dwelling units for lead-based paint hazards. This initiative aims to identify and mitigate lead exposure risks in older homes.

The law applies primarily to older properties, with certain dwellings exempt from the requirement. These exemptions include:

• Properties certified as lead-free post-abatement or evaluation.
• Buildings constructed during or after 1978, reflecting updated construction practices that typically avoid lead-based paint.
• Long-registered multiple dwellings with no outstanding lead violations from recent inspections.
• Seasonal rentals leased for less than six months.

For non-exempt rental units, property owners must engage a qualified lead inspector or evaluator by July 22, 2024, to obtain a necessary lead-safe or lead-free certificate. This certification incurs a $20 fee per unit, payable to the New Jersey Division of Community Affairs through the local municipality.

Certificates or existing valid proofs of a dwelling being lead-safe must be submitted to specific email addresses provided by the local municipality. Non-compliance with this law can lead to significant penalties, including fines of up to $1,000 per week from the Department of Community Affairs until the required inspections are carried out.

Property owners and landlords are urged to contact the Health Department immediately to verify compliance with this new requirement. For further inquiries, residents can reach out to your local Health Department. 

This law represents a critical step towards safeguarding public health by reducing the risk of lead exposure in New Jersey's residential environments.