Two years ago, the state of New Jersey enacted a mandate requiring all rental properties built before 1978 to undergo a lead paint inspection. This important safety measure aims to protect tenants—especially children—from the dangerous effects of lead exposure, which can have serious health consequences.
The Law and Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
Under this mandate, landlords of rental properties built prior to 1978 must have their homes inspected for lead paint. In Hopewell Township, the inspection can be conducted privately by a certified professional or through the Township construction office for a modest fee. If the inspection is done privately, the landlord is required to submit the certification to the Township to verify compliance.
In Hopewell Township, while enforcement was initially slated to begin in July 2024, officials have expressed concerns that not all landlords are aware of the requirement. As a result, enforcement will begin in earnest in 2025, giving landlords a bit more time to complete the necessary inspections. However, this reminder serves as a prompt to ensure that landlords are in compliance before fines and penalties are issued.
The Dangers of Lead Paint Exposure
Lead exposure is a serious health hazard, particularly for children under the age of six. Lead poisoning can cause a wide range of health issues, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, hearing loss, and in extreme cases, brain damage. Even small amounts of lead exposure over time can lead to lifelong problems. Children living in rental properties with deteriorating lead paint are at an increased risk, as lead dust can be inhaled or ingested through hand-to-mouth contact or contaminated surfaces.
Why Homeowners of Pre-1978 Homes Should Consider Lead Paint Inspections
While the state mandate specifically applies to rental properties, it is advisable for all homeowners of houses built before 1978 to consider having their properties inspected for lead paint, even though it's not required by law. Lead paint can deteriorate over time, especially in older homes, leading to exposure risks. By having an inspection conducted, homeowners can identify and address potential hazards before they become a problem, keeping their families safe and preventing costly remediation efforts down the line.
Conclusion
Lead paint inspections are a simple yet crucial step in ensuring the safety and health of those living in older homes. If you are a landlord in Hopewell Township, make sure to have your rental properties inspected if they were built before 1978. For homeowners, taking the initiative to inspect for lead paint—even if you're not legally required to do so—can help protect your loved ones from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
If you have any questions or need assistance with scheduling an inspection, contact the construction office at 609-737-0612 or a certified lead paint inspector today. It’s better to be proactive and safe than to risk the health of your tenants or family.
For more information on the lead paint inspection process and additional resources, landlords and property owners can visit the State of NJ Lead page (https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/resources/leadpaint.shtml) or the Hopewell Township website at Hopewell Township Lead Resources (https://www.hopewelltwp.org/702/Lead-Resources).
NJ's Lead Abatement Program can be found here- https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/lrap.shtml or click on the image below.
