Phillipsburg
New Jersey Lead Safe Certification
The Town of Phillipsburg has partnered with LEW Environmental Services to ensure compliance with New Jersey’s Lead Safe Certification law. Town records indicate one of your rental properties might be 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 Phillipsburg built before 1978 are required to have a dust wipe sample analysis to assess for lead hazards completed at the next tenant turnover, or by July 2024.
Depending on the results of the dust wipe sample analysis, 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).
After scheduling your inspection, please refer to the landlord registration section below.
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.
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.
When you schedule 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.
Property owners who fail to comply with the new inspection requirements may be subject to a penalty of up to $1,000 per week.
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 with an option to speak with a staff member.
Click Here To Certify That Your Property Is NOT A Rental UnitAnnual Landlord Registration
NEW FOR 2024: ONLINE REGISTRATION! Pursuant to Chapter 464 (Rental Property) of the Phillipsburg Town Code, all residential rental units are required to be registered annually on or before May 1 of each year. Annual registration is required in addition to lead safe certification requirements. Please follow the link below for additional information.
Visit Township Website