State guide
New Jersey
New Jersey runs a state lead program rather than leaving lead abatement and evaluation entirely to EPA. The state also has a statewide rental lead inspection law for certain pre-1978 rental dwellings, with municipalities administering inspections directly or allowing owners to hire certified lead evaluation contractors.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead program
- New Jersey has a state-run lead program: NJDCA handles lead evaluation and abatement contractor certification and the rental inspection law, while NJDOH permits individual lead inspectors/risk assessors and other lead workers.
- Rental lead-safe requirements
- Yes; under P.L. 2021, c.182 and N.J.A.C. 5:28A, certain pre-1978 rental dwellings must receive periodic lead inspections and, if no hazards are found, a lead-safe certificate.
- Renovation (RRP) program
- EPA
- Disclosure
- NJDCA says property owners must provide a copy of N.J.A.C. 5:28A, any lead-safe certifications, and the guidance document to prospective owners during a real estate transaction, settlement, or closing.
Official resources in New Jersey
Explains the statewide rental lead inspection law, exemptions, inspection timing, and municipal responsibilities.
Provides contractor certification information and links to current lead evaluation and abatement contractor lists.
Explains NJDOH permitting for individual lead inspectors/risk assessors and other lead disciplines.
State portal that includes submissions tied to P.L. 2021, c.182 lead-based paint inspections in rental dwellings.
Key facts for New Jersey
- N.J.A.C. 5:28A implements P.L. 2021, c.182 for periodic lead-based paint inspections in certain rental dwellings.
- Covered rental units must be inspected every three years or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier.
- Lead-safe certificates issued under the rental law are valid for two years.
- The first inspection deadline under the law was July 22, 2024, or tenant turnover, whichever came first.
- NJDCA certifies lead evaluation and abatement contractors, while NJDOH permits individual lead inspector/risk assessors.
- A NJDOH-certified lead inspector/risk assessor must be employed by a NJDCA-licensed lead evaluation contractor to perform inspections and risk assessments in New Jersey.
Local rental lead ordinances in New Jersey
| City | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Hazard Abatement Office, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs | Trenton | (609) 633-6224 | Handles state certification questions for lead evaluation and abatement firms and points users to current contractor lists. |
| Division of Housing Preservation, City of Jersey City Hudson County | Jersey City | (201)-547-4821 | City office conducting rental lead inspections under local implementation of the state rental lead law. |
| Newark Lead Hazard Reduction Program Essex County | Newark | 973-733-8787 | City program page with lead hazard grants and lead-safe/free certificate inspection materials for pre-1978 rental dwelling units. |
| City of Newark Lead-Safe/Free Certificate Inspection Application Essex County | Newark | Not published* | Application form for city-requested lead-based paint inspections in pre-1978 rental dwelling units. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Check the DCA municipal listing and exemption guidance before scheduling a rental lead inspection.
- If your municipality allows owner-hired inspections, use the DCA certified lead evaluation contractor list rather than a general home inspector.
- Keep copies of any lead-safe certificate and related records because turnover and renewal timing can trigger a new inspection.
Not seeing your city or county?
Not every city publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from New Jersey's population center, for comparison only):
- NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development - Lead-Based Paint, New York · about 31 miles
- Lead and Healthy Homes Program, Pennsylvania · about 47 miles
- Lead Certification Submission System, Pennsylvania · about 47 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.NJ DCA Lead Hazard Abatement Office
Website →Phone: (609) 633-6224 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the New Jersey page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.