City of Plainfield
New Jersey Lead Safe Certification
The 2024 Deadline To Inspect Your Units Is Rapidly Approaching
This notice is to advise owners of rental dwelling units within the City of Plainfield of requirements newly adopted under the New Jersey Lead Safe Certification Law, P.L.2021, c.182, and the corresponding regulations codified under N.J.A.C. 5:28A-1 et seq.
The new law requires targeted rental units built before 1978 to have a dust wipe sample inspection/analysis performed to identify any lead hazards. These inspections must be done at the next tenant turnover or by July 31, 2024, whichever occurs first.
The City of Plainfield has partnered with LEW Environmental Services to implement and administer a comprehensive lead safe compliance solution. LEW’s services include all-in-one inspection and reporting services at the lowest offered cost per unit to property owners.
If you believe any of the rental units you own may qualify for an exemption (e.g., multiple-unit buildings registered with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for over 10 years, etc.), please speak click here to learn more about exemptions.
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.
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 Unit