One of the most valuable things DJP Lead does for North Jersey landlords is something no large competitor offers — pre-inspection guidance. Before our inspector arrives, we walk you through exactly what to expect and what to address. This dramatically increases the likelihood that your property passes on the first visit, saving you time, money, and stress.
Here is the complete pre-inspection guide we share with every client.
NJ lead inspections are primarily visual assessments. Our inspectors are looking for signs of deteriorating paint — chipping, peeling, cracking, bubbling, or flaking paint on any surface in the rental unit or common areas. They are not testing every surface for lead content. They are looking for visible paint deterioration that could create a lead dust hazard.
The key insight here is that a property does not fail because it has lead-based paint. It fails if the paint is in poor condition. This is why preparation matters so much.
Windows are one of the most common failure points. The friction of opening and closing windows over decades causes paint to deteriorate on the sill, frame, and surrounding surfaces. Carefully inspect every window in the property for chipping or peeling paint. Address any deterioration before the inspection.
Similar to windows, doors are high-friction areas where paint deteriorates over time. Pay close attention to the edges of doors and the door frame itself, especially around the hardware and knob area.
Banisters and stairway railings are touched constantly and paint can chip and peel along high-contact surfaces. Inspect all banisters carefully and address any visible deterioration.
Walk through each room and look for any areas where paint is bubbling, cracking, or peeling. Pay special attention to areas near moisture sources like bathrooms and kitchens where paint is more likely to deteriorate.
Don’t forget hallways, basements, laundry rooms, and any other areas accessible to tenants. These areas are included in the inspection.
If you find areas with deteriorating paint before the inspection, do not attempt to just paint over them. Painting over deteriorating lead paint without proper preparation can actually make the situation worse and will not satisfy the inspector. The surface must be properly stabilized and prepared before repainting.
Contact DJP Lead before your inspection if you identify problem areas. We can advise you on the proper remediation steps so you are fully prepared when our inspector arrives.
Make sure all areas of the property are accessible to the inspector. This includes all rooms, closets, common areas, basements, and any other tenant-accessible spaces. Our inspectors need full access to do a thorough job.
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 there DCA — get your Lead-Safe Certification fast.