Hackettstown

Hackettstown Lead Inspections

The Town of Hackettstown has partnered with LEW Environmental to provide a comprehensive solution to ensure compliance with the new NJ law. If you received a notice then township records indicate one or more of your rentals are impacted by this new law.

N.J.A.C. 5:28A Lead-Based Paint Inspections in Rental Dwelling Units

The new law states that certain rental units in Hackettstown, built before 1978 are required to have dust wipe sampling to assess for lead dust hazards completed or have an inspection scheduled by July 22, 2024.

Property owners with multiple unit buildings who have been registered with the DCA more than 10 years should speak with a member of LEW Environmental’s staff prior to scheduling your inspection to see if your units qualify for an exemption. Learn more about exemptions here.

Depending on the results of the dust wipe sampling, a lead safe certification will be issued which is proof of compliance with the regulation. The Lead-Safe Certification will be valid for a two-year period. If a tenant turnover occurs after the expiration of the certificate, another inspection is required. If there is no tenant turnover, then another inspection is required one year after the certificate expires (three years after the initial inspection).

Why Did I Receive a Notice?

New Jersey property tax records indicate your property might be used as a rental. If your home is not a rental, simply complete the “Not a Rental Unit” form below and you will be removed from the town’s rental records.

Why Is New Jersey Requiring Lead Safe Inspections?

New Jersey has required lead-based paint inspections for multi-unit and larger rental buildings for many years. The law was updated in 2022 to require lead-based paint inspections for one- and two-unit rentals. The law is aimed to help prevent childhood lead poisoning. In addition to new inspection requirements, the CDC has also updated their testing guidelines to include blood level tests at age 1 and again at age 2. In addition to increased testing, in 2021 the CDC lowered the threshold for elevated blood lead levels meaning that the tests will pick up lower levels of lead.

New Jersey’s Lead Safe Certification law carves out exemptions for certain property types and situations. If your property is exempt, then you do not need to have a lead inspection done under the new law. There are currently five ways to have your property exempt under the law. Learn more about exemptions by clicking here.

Dust Wipe Sampling

Dust wipe inspections are required in municipalities with increased incidences of elevated blood lead levels in young children. Lead dust forms when lead-based paint begins to chip, crack, peel or is otherwise disturbed. Lead paint chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Our inspectors use dust wipe sampling to determine if lead dust is present.

Our inspectors will take a moistened towelette and wipe surfaces throughout your rental. These samples will be sent to a lab for analysis. If the analyzed samples contain below the current hazard level, then a Lead Safe certification will be issued.

Lead Safe certifications are good for 3 years unless there is a tenant turnover after 2 years.

Preparing For Your Inspection

Our inspectors are NJ DCA Certified Lead Evaluation Contractors and are committed to cost-effective solutions for property owners. Below are some tips to help you prepare for your lead inspection.

What If Your Property Is Not a Rental Unit?

If your property is NOT A RENTAL UNIT, please select the button below to complete a form to be removed from the township’s rental records.

You must include your full name and property address including zip code on the web form. This is an automated form. If you would like to speak with someone from our office, please use the contact us form and a member of our staff will respond to your inquiry.