Is a lead paint inspection required for my NJ rental?
If the unit was built before 1978 and isn't a short seasonal rental, yes. New Jersey's P.L. 2021, c.182 requires a lead-based paint inspection and a lead-safe certificate, repeated every three years or at each tenant turnover.
How much does it cost?
A single-unit visual assessment usually runs in the low-to-mid hundreds, plus a flat $20 state fee per unit and sometimes a small municipal fee. Dust-wipe sampling costs more. See the full cost breakdown for details.
Who pays, the landlord or the tenant?
The property owner. The inspection and lead-safe certificate are the landlord's responsibility, and the state fee can't be billed to the tenant as a separate line.
Can I hire my own inspector instead of using the town?
Yes. You can hire any NJ DCA-certified lead evaluation contractor directly. That's usually faster than a municipal program, and it's who we connect you with.
How long is the certificate valid?
A lead-safe certificate lasts three years or until the next tenant turnover. A lead-free certificate lasts much longer because it means there's no lead-based paint in the unit.
What if a hazard is found?
The hazard has to be addressed before a lead-safe certificate is issued. Many well-maintained pre-1978 units pass a visual assessment with no work needed.
Do buildings from 1978 or later need this?
No. Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, so newer buildings are exempt from the periodic inspection requirement.
How long does the inspection take?
A visual assessment on a single unit is often quick. Dust-wipe sampling adds lab time. The inspector we connect you with can give you their turnaround before you book.
Is this service free?
Yes. NJ Lead Paint Inspection is a free referral service. You pay the certified inspector directly at their quoted price. We don't add a markup.
What towns do you cover?
We connect owners statewide and focus first on Essex County, including Bloomfield, Belleville, Nutley, Orange, West Orange, Montclair, Glen Ridge, Verona, and Cedar Grove.