Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Last verified: · Confidence: medium
What lead paint rules apply to landlords in New Jersey?
Short answer
Lead-based paint inspection/lead-safe certification: every 3 years or at tenant turnover (pre-1978)
When: Every 3 years from the last lead safe certification; also: tenant turnover unless a lead-safe certificate (valid 2 years) is still valid
Pre-1978 rentals must be inspected for lead-based paint hazards every three years or at tenant turnover, whichever is first. A turnover inspection is not needed while a lead-safe certificate (valid 2 years) is in effect.
"After the initial inspection, all units shall be inspected for lead-based paint hazards every three years, or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. An inspection upon tenant turnover is not required if the owner has a valid lead-safe certificate. Lead-safe certificates are valid for two years." nj.gov
"Dwellings that were constructed during or after 1978." nj.gov
"Property owners must also report all tenant turnover activity to the municipality." nj.gov
Lead-based paint inspection/lead-safe certification: every 3 years or at tenant turnover (pre-1978) Verified
Deadline: Every 3 years from the last lead safe certification; also: tenant turnover unless a lead-safe certificate (valid 2 years) is still valid
Pre-1978 rentals must be inspected for lead-based paint hazards every three years or at tenant turnover, whichever is first. A turnover inspection is not needed while a lead-safe certificate (valid 2 years) is in effect.
Who it covers: Single-family, two-family and multiple rental dwellings. Exempt: built 1978+, certified lead-free, short seasonal 1-2 family rentals (<6 months/yr, no consecutive renewals), certain multiple dwellings registered with DCA 10+ years without lead violations. Initial inspection deadline was July 22, 2024 (or earlier turnover). Owners must report tenant turnover to the municipality.
"After the initial inspection, all units shall be inspected for lead-based paint hazards every three years, or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. An inspection upon tenant turnover is not required if the owner has a valid lead-safe certificate. Lead-safe certificates are valid for two years." nj.gov
"Dwellings that were constructed during or after 1978." nj.gov
"Property owners must also report all tenant turnover activity to the municipality." nj.gov
Notes: P.L.2021, c.182 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16). Municipalities run or contract the inspections and charge a fee; owners may hire a DCA-certified lead evaluation contractor directly.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction
Federal lead disclosure rules that also apply
These apply to housing built before 1978 in every state, on top of the rules above.