The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is reminding municipalities that inspections for lead-based paint hazards, as mandated by P.L. 2021, c.182, must be completed and documentation submitted to DCA by July 22, 2024, or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. This requirement applies to certain pre-1978 single-family, two-family, and multiple-rental dwellings.
Municipalities with a permanent construction enforcement agency are required to perform the inspections themselves. Those without such an agency must contract with a DCA-certified vendor for the inspections. Inspection documentation can be submitted through the Municipal Lead Reporting Portal.
DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez emphasized the health risks associated with lead-based paint exposure: “Exposure to lead-based paint is a health threat, especially for children under six who may touch, swallow, or breathe in lead dust. Exposure can cause adverse health effects including brain damage, slowed growth and development, and other problems affecting learning, behavior, hearing, and speech.”
If lead-based paint hazards are identified during an inspection, property owners must remediate the hazards through abatement or control mechanisms and provide necessary information to tenants. Landlords can hire certified lead evaluation contractors or connect income-eligible units with DCA resources through the Lead Remediation and Abatement Program (LRAP).
More information on LRAP can be found at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/lrap.shtml.
Landlords using LRAP must ensure occupants meet program requirements. If a residence is vacant at application time, landlords must place income-eligible tenants within 120 days of completing remediation or abatement work.
Assistant Commissioner Janel Winter highlighted the importance of addressing lead issues: “The Department takes the issue of lead very seriously,” she said. “We want to also remind landlords and tenants to take advantage of the LRAP program if there is lead paint in the home.”
Approved contractors will conduct repairs and energy efficiency improvements in pre-1978 residential units using funds aimed at identifying and remediating lead-based paint hazards through encapsulation or replacement measures.
LRAP grant funding also supports non-profits, for-profit agencies, and municipalities in removing lead-based hazards from homes of low- to moderate-income households.
The Division of Housing and Community Resources aims to strengthen neighborhoods by delivering affordable housing and supportive services while providing financial assistance for community development projects that improve residents' quality of life.
DCA offers various programs including local government management and finance; affordable housing production; fire safety; building safety; community planning; disaster recovery; historic preservation; and information privacy.
