New Jersey's New Lead-Safe Certification Law
Understanding the latest lead-based paint law requirements and compliance deadlines
New Jersey's newest lead-based paint law, "New Jersey's Lead-Safe Certification," went into effect July 22, 2022 and directly targets all pre-1978 rental properties.
In addition to new lead paint inspection intervals, New Jersey also requires different testing methods depending on where your rental unit is located.
Municipality-Specific Requirements
New Jersey requires different testing methods depending on your municipality. Most areas require Visual Inspection, but some municipalities require Dust Wipe Sampling.
Visual Inspection
Required in most municipalities
Standard CostDust Wipe Sampling
Required in 51 municipalities
Premium CostCheck Your Municipality's Requirements
Landlords must provide evidence of a lead-safe certification to tenants and must affix a copy of that certification as an exhibit to the tenant's lease.
July 22, 2022 Effective Date
The new Lead-Safe Certification law went into effect on this date, targeting all pre-1978 rental properties.
- Targets pre-1978 properties
- New inspection intervals
- Location-specific testing
Certification Requirements
Landlords must provide evidence of lead-safe certification to tenants and include it in lease agreements.
- Evidence to tenants required
- Must be in lease agreement
- Official certification needed
Location-Specific Testing
Different testing methods are required depending on where your rental unit is located in New Jersey.
- Varies by municipality
- Different methods required
- Check local requirements
Understanding Lead-Safe Requirements
Learn about exemptions, certifications, and testing methods for New Jersey's Lead-Safe Law
Exemptions
If your property qualifies for any of the following, you are exempt from the new inspection requirements:
- 1 Constructed after 1978
- 2 Certified to be free of lead-based paint
- 3 Located in a multiple dwelling registered with the DCA for at least 10 years with no open violations in the past two years
- 4 Seasonal units rented for less than six months each year without consecutive renewals (e.g., short-term shore rentals)
- 5 Owner-occupied units
Lead-Free Certification Explained
A Lead-Free Certification means there is no lead paint in the rental unit or interior common areas.
This certification can only be achieved through a lead-based paint inspection using an XRF instrument.
If, during a visual inspection, chipping paint is noticed, an XRF measurement can confirm whether the surface is a true lead-based paint hazard.
Why Choose XRF Testing?
Many landlords ask: "Why spend more money on XRF testing if I don't have to?"
The answer is simple:
- Lower cost long term: XRF testing adds a small upfront cost but can save thousands in abatement or reinspection fees.
- Definitive results: It's the only way to confirm that a surface does not contain lead-based paint.
- Permanent exemption: If no lead is found, your dwelling receives a Lead-Free Certification—which permanently exempts it from future inspection requirements.
Key Benefits of XRF Testing
Cost Savings
Avoid expensive abatement costs and repeated inspections
Definitive Results
Get clear, scientific confirmation of lead presence or absence
Permanent Solution
Lead-Free Certification provides permanent exemption from future inspections
Official Resources & References
Access official government resources and documentation for New Jersey's Lead-Safe Law
Government Resources
NJ Department of Health – Childhood Lead Prevention
Official New Jersey Department of Health Childhood Lead Prevention information
EPA Lead Information
Environmental Protection Agency lead safety resources
CDC Lead Prevention
Centers for Disease Control lead prevention guidelines
HUD Lead-Based Paint
Department of Housing and Urban Development lead-based paint enforcement
Compliance Resources
Contact Information
NJ DCA Lead-Safe Program
Phone: (609) 292-7899
Email: leadsafe@dca.nj.gov
EPA Lead Hotline
Phone: 1-800-424-LEAD (5323)
Available 24/7 for lead-related questions
Important Notice
This information is provided for general guidance only. Laws and regulations may change, and specific requirements may vary by municipality. Always consult with certified professionals and official government sources for the most current and accurate information regarding lead-safe compliance in New Jersey.
Ready to Get Compliant?
Schedule your Lead-Safe inspection today and ensure your property meets all New Jersey requirements.