High Bridge Lead Paint Inspections

New Jersey Lead Safe Certification

The Borough of High Bridge 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 that your rental property is impacted by the new law.

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

New Jersey’s Lead Safe Certification Act was signed by Governor Murphy on July 22nd, 2021. The new law intends to prevent childhood lead poisoning due to deteriorated paint in rental homes by requiring periodic inspections for lead hazards.

Rental properties built in High Bridge before 1978 are required to undergo dust wipe sampling to assess for lead hazards by July 22, 2024. Then, depending on the results of the dust wipe sampling, a lead safe certification will be issued which is proof of compliance. 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. But if there is not a tenant turnover, then another inspection is required one year after the certificate expires (three years after the initial inspection).

To read the full regulation from the Department of Community affairs, please click here.

Preparing For Dust Wipe Sampling in High Bridge

LEW inspectors are NJ DCA Certified Lead Evaluation Contractors and are committed to cost-effective solutions for property owners. As part of the dust wipe sampling, our inspector 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. If elevated levels of lead dust are found, then remediation will be required.

What Is Lead Dust?

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.

What Happens During the Inspection?

Our inspectors will need access to the interior of the rental unit. This includes any area of the home that the tenant can access such as hallways, basements and shared laundry rooms. Exterior areas such as porches are not part of the inspection. The technician will select four rooms from the dwelling unit to dust wipe with a focus on areas where children spend their time (bedrooms, living rooms and kitchen).
The inspection report will be sent to the property owner 10 days after the inspection is complete. Reports can be expedited for an additional fee.

What Is the Cost of Inspection?

The cost for inspection is $295.00 per unit plus an additional fee of $20 per unit which goes to the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Act Fund under the administration of the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs. By scheduling with LEW Environmental, all paperwork, including Lead-Safe Certificates and any Municipal and New Jersey state fees are remitted to the township of your behalf. Other lead inspection firms will not remit documents and state fees on your behalf and the fees will need to be paid separately. Discounts are available for property owners with multiple units. Call our office for additional details.

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.

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 with an option to speak with a staff member.