State Law Requires Lead Paint Inspection for Change in Rental Tenancy

N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16 et al requires inspections for “every single-family, two-family, and multiple rental dwelling located within the municipality at tenant turnover for lead-based paint hazards or within two years of the effective date of P.L.2021, c.182 (C.52:27D-437.16 et al.), whichever is earlier.  Thereafter, all such units shall be inspected for lead-based paint hazards the earlier of every three years or upon tenant turnover, except that an inspection upon tenant turnover shall not be required if the owner has a valid lead-safe certification pursuant to this section."

Such inspections can be requested from the Washington Township Fire Prevention Bureau and performed at the same time as carbon monoxide/smoke detector/fire extinguisher inspections.

The Lead Paint Assessment fees (including a $20 state fee per unit assessed to be deposited into the state Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund) are as follows:

(1) Requests for a lead paint assessment received more than 10 business days prior to the change of occupant: $40;

(2) Requests for a lead paint assessment received four to 10 business days prior to the change of occupant: $70;

(3) Requests for a lead paint assessment received fewer than four business days prior to the change of occupant: $125.

The state law also requires the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Health, shall establish a Statewide, multifaceted, ongoing educational program designed to meet the needs of tenants, property owners, realtors and real estate agents, insurers and insurance agents, and local building officials about the nature of lead-based paint hazards, the importance of lead-based paint hazard control and mitigation, and the responsibilities set forth in P.L.2021, c.182 (C.52:27D-437.16 et al.).