Schedule a lead paint inspection for a rental property

The State of New Jersey requires lead paint inspections for all rental properties.

Need to know

• Cost:
  • $50 administration fee
  • $20 state fee

Before you start

There are 2 types of lead paint inspections, swipe and visual. Somerville buildings are required to get visual inspections. Property owner (or applicant) is responsible for scheduling an inspection. To be deemed "lead safe," inspections must be done every 2 or 3 years (depending on lead paint contractor).

Steps

1. Contact a Certified Lead Paint Contractor (PDF) to schedule a visual inspection.
2. If your rental unit passes the inspection, you will be issued a lead-safe certificate valid for 2 or 3 years.
3. Provide a copy of the certificate and associated fees to the Land Use Director.
4. Pay fees by cash or check. If you are paying by check, you need to pay each fee with a separate check.

What's next

You need an inspection every 2 or 3 years. After the initial inspection all units must be inspected for lead-based paint hazards upon certificate expiration date or tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. An inspection upon tenant turnover is not required if the owner has a valid lead-safe certificate. If the lead-safe certificate has expired and there will be a tenant turnover, an inspection will be necessary.

Tenant turnover

You need an inspection if you have tenant turnover, unless you have a valid lead-safe certificate. If your certificate expired and there will be a tenant turnover, you need an inspection.