If you own rental property in New Jersey that was built before 1978, there is a good chance you have already heard about the state’s Lead Safe Certification requirement. If you haven’t, this article is essential reading. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and legal exposure. Here is everything North Jersey landlords need to know.
New Jersey enacted P.L. 2021, c.182, a landmark law that requires landlords of pre-1978 rental properties to obtain a Lead-Safe Certification for every rental unit they own. The law is designed to protect tenants — especially children — from the serious health risks of lead-based paint exposure.
Lead was commonly used in residential paint until it was banned in 1978. Millions of homes across New Jersey, particularly in older North Jersey communities in counties like Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Bergen, still contain lead-based paint. The law now requires that these properties be formally inspected and certified as lead-safe before tenants can legally occupy them.
The law applies to most residential rental properties built before 1978 in New Jersey. Specifically it covers:
There are some exemptions, including owner-occupied properties and certain seasonal rentals, but the vast majority of residential landlords in North Jersey are required to comply.
To comply with the law, landlords must have their property inspected by an NJDOH-certified Lead Inspector. The inspection involves a visual assessment of all painted surfaces throughout the rental unit and common areas. The inspector looks for deteriorating paint conditions that could indicate lead hazard.
If no lead hazards are found during the inspection, a Lead-Safe Certificate is issued. This certificate serves as your official proof of compliance with the state law.
A Lead-Safe Certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. However, there is one important exception — if a tenant vacates the property, the certificate is no longer valid for the next tenancy. A new inspection must be conducted before a new tenant moves in, regardless of how recently the last certificate was issued.
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the law and one of the leading reasons landlords reach out to DJP Lead for a re-inspection.
Failure to comply with the NJ Lead Safe Certification Law can result in fines of up to $1,000 per week per unit. Municipalities are actively enforcing this law and landlords who fall out of compliance risk losing their rental registration as well.
Beyond the financial penalties, non-compliant landlords also face significant legal liability if a tenant or their child is harmed by lead exposure in an uncertified property.
At DJP Lead, we specialize in lead inspections for North Jersey landlords, property managers, and investors. Our team is licensed under the NJDOH and registered as a Lead Evaluation Contractor under the NJ DCA. We understand the law, we move quickly, and we issue certifications the same day your property passes inspection.
We also provide pre-inspection guidance to help your property pass the first time — a service no large competitor offers. Before we arrive, we walk you through exactly what our inspector will be looking for so you can address any potential issues in advance.
Ready to schedule your lead inspection? Contact DJP Lead today at DJPLead.com. We serve all of North Jersey and can accommodate same-week scheduling. Licensed under the NJDOH and Permitted by the DCA — get your Lead-Safe Certification fast.