Under New Jersey's lead law (P.L.2021, c.182), owners can hire a DCA-certified lead evaluation contractor directly to perform the required inspection. That's us. We inspect, test, and — when no hazards are found — issue your lead-safe certificate.
| Who must comply | Owners of single-family, two-family, and multiple rental dwellings in New Jersey, unless an exemption applies. |
| Which rentals | Primarily pre-1978 rentals — lead paint was banned for residential use in 1978, so older rentals are the focus of the law. |
| How often | Every three years, or at tenant turnover — whichever comes first — unless the unit holds a valid lead-safe certificate. |
| Certificate validity | A lead-safe certificate is valid for three years from the date it is issued (extended from two years by a 2024 amendment to the law). |
| Common exemptions | Units built in 1978 or later; certain seasonal rentals rented under six months a year; some long-registered multiple dwellings with no outstanding lead violations; units with a valid lead-safe certificate. |
| How inspections are done | Depending on the municipality, by visual assessment, dust-wipe sampling, or both. Towns with higher childhood lead levels require dust-wipe sampling. We follow your town's requirement. |
| If hazards are found | The owner must remediate using lead hazard control methods (interim controls) or abatement by properly certified firms, then have the unit re-inspected. We explain the results and your options in writing — we don't leave you with just a failed report. |
Summary based on NJ Department of Community Affairs guidance for P.L.2021, c.182. Municipal requirements vary and control in case of any difference.
Used in municipalities below the state's elevated-blood-lead threshold. We examine every painted surface for deterioration — peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking — paying special attention to friction and impact surfaces like windows, doors, and trim, and to visible dust and debris. If no hazards are found, we issue the lead-safe certificate — the same day, on visual inspections. Visual inspections are $250 per unit, with a discount on multiple units at one property.
Required in municipalities at or above the threshold, and available anywhere. We collect dust-wipe samples from floors, window sills, and troughs for lab analysis, in addition to the visual assessment. Lab results plus a clean visual assessment support the lead-safe certificate.
Not sure which method your town uses? Call us with the property address — we'll confirm the requirement before quoting.
Address, number of units, and your turnover or town deadline. We'll confirm what your municipality requires — visual, dust wipes, or both.
Visual assessment of painted surfaces plus dust-wipe samples from floors, window sills, and troughs in each required unit and common area.
Samples ship the same day for next-day lab processing. Results typically return within a few business days (labs are closed weekends).
If no hazards are found, we issue the lead-safe certificate on the official NJ DCA form for each unit — the document your town and your lease file need.
The inspection is easiest to schedule while the unit is empty. Call (908) 842-0222.