Which lead-safe inspection method does your NJ town require?
New Jersey's lead-safe law requires periodic lead-based paint inspections of most pre-1978 rental units — and each municipality is assigned one of two methods. Search your town for the method, the building department, and the main municipal number.
513towns · Visual Inspection
51towns · Dust-Wipe Sampling
Assignments follow childhood blood-lead statistics and can change as the Department of Health updates them — when in doubt, confirm against the official DCA listing below.
Need help or have questions? We do lead-safe inspections across New Jersey and are happy to point you the right way — Smart Choice Inspections · (973) 500-3233. No pressure — the official sources below have everything too.
Visual Inspection
513
Where under 3% of tested children have elevated blood lead
A certified inspector visually checks the unit for deteriorated, chipping, or damaged paint.
Dust-Wipe Sampling
51
Where 3% or more of tested children have elevated blood lead
The stricter method: surface dust is collected from floors and windowsills and lab-tested for lead.
The state re-evaluates assignments as new childhood blood-lead data comes in.
Type the address. We read the year built and property class from the NJ tax record, add your town's assigned method, and tell you whether the lead-safe rental law applies.
Pick the suggestion to run the check. NJ addresses only.
Single-family, two-family, and apartments. Common exemptions: built 1978 or later, certified lead-free, seasonal rentals occupied under 6 months a year.
02 · WHEN
Turnover, or every 3 years
Inspection at tenant turnover or at least every 3 years, whichever comes first.
03 · HOW
Your town's assigned method
Visual inspection in most municipalities; dust-wipe sampling where childhood blood-lead levels run higher.
04 · PROOF
File the cert with the town
The landlord files a lead-safe certification (valid 3 years) or a permanent lead-free certificate with the municipality — usually the building department. Search a town above for the main number, building department, and address.
Find a certified lead evaluation contractor near you
184 residential-licensed companies, sorted by distance
or
Sourced from the NJ Department of Community Affairs' official certified lead evaluation contractor list (revised August 11, 2026), filtered to companies licensed for residential structures (RS/PB). Distance is a straight line, not a drive time. Need an abatement (hazard-removal) company, a commercial-licensed contractor, or the official DCA forms and guidance? See the full public directory & lead-safe resource page.
Informational summary of P.L. 2021, c.182 (N.J.A.C. 5:28A) — not legal advice. Method data verified town-by-town against the official state listing on August 14, 2026 — all 564 municipalities match; the linked DCA sources are authoritative. Built by Permit & Parcel, oprasearch.app.