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New York City buildings

New Jersey’s rental lead inspection law: a landlord’s guide

Pre-1978 rentals need inspections every three years or at turnover. Here’s how it works.

Windsor Environmental · Updated November 2026

What’s covered

Single-family, two-family and multiple rental dwellings built before 1978, with limited exemptions (certified lead-free, certain seasonal rentals, and some multiple dwellings registered with DCA for ten years without outstanding lead violations).

When inspections are due

  • First inspection: by July 22, 2024, or at tenant turnover if sooner.
  • After that: every three years or at tenant turnover, whichever comes first.
  • No turnover inspection needed while you hold a valid lead-safe certificate (valid for two years).

Visual or dust wipe?

It depends on your municipality’s child blood-lead data. Where at least 3% of tested young children have elevated levels, dust wipe sampling is required; otherwise a visual inspection may be used.

Who can inspect

Your municipality, or a DCA-certified lead evaluation contractor you hire directly.

Penalties

Up to $1,000 per week after a 30-day cure period, until the inspection is done or remediation begins.

Questions

What if my unit fails?

Hazards must be remediated (abatement or interim controls) and the unit re-inspected before a certificate is issued.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. We’ll confirm what applies to your property when you call.

Tell us what you’re dealing with.

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