One of the most common questions from North Jersey landlords is whether their specific property is covered under New Jersey’s Lead Safe Certification Law. The short answer is that if your rental property was built before 1978, it almost certainly needs to be inspected and certified. But there are some nuances worth understanding.
Any residential rental property built before 1978 is subject to New Jersey’s lead inspection requirement. This covers single-family homes, duplexes, apartment buildings, and any other residential rental property built in that era. New Jersey has enormous amounts of pre-1978 housing stock, particularly in North Jersey communities that were developed in the mid-20th century.
The law does include some exemptions. Properties that may not be subject to the inspection requirement include:
Even if you believe your property may be exempt, it is worth confirming this with a qualified professional rather than assuming. The penalties for incorrect assumptions about exemption status can be significant.
A common misconception is that if a pre-1978 property has been fully renovated, it is no longer subject to the inspection requirement. This is generally not true. Renovation does not automatically eliminate the compliance requirement. However, if an XRF test confirms that all lead-based paint has been removed from the property during the renovation, a Lead-Free Certificate can be issued which provides permanent exemption.
If you are unsure whether your specific property is covered under the NJ Lead Safe Certification Law, contact DJP Lead. We can assess your situation, review your property details, and give you a clear answer about your compliance obligations. We serve North Jersey landlords across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties.
Ready to schedule your lead inspection? Contact DJP Lead today at DJPLead.com. We serve all of North Jersey and can often accommodate same-week scheduling. Licensed under the NJDOH and permitted under the DCA — get your Lead-Safe Certification fast.