Township of Sparta

Lead-Based Paint Inspections in Rental Dwelling Units 

The Township of Sparta has partnered with LEW Environmental Services to ensure compliance with New Jersey’s Lead Safe Certification law. If you received a postcard then Township records indicate that one or more of your rental units are required to be inspected for lead hazards as part of DCA’s new law, N.J.A.C. 5:28A Lead-Based Paint Inspections in Rental Dwelling Units

The new law states that certain rental units built before 1978 are required to have a visual inspection to assess for lead hazards completed at the next tenant turnover, or by July 2024 if there is no turnover.

Failure to comply with the new regulation can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 per week.

Visual Inspections

Rental properties located in the Township of Sparta are required to undergo visual inspections. This is because less than three percent of children tested in Sparta have a blood lead level greater than or equal to five micrograms per deciliter.

What Happens During a Visual Inspection?

Visual inspections for lead based paint hazards simply means that our certified inspectors will come to your property and look for signs of paint chipping and deterioration. If no deteriorated conditions are found, then a Lead Safe certification will be issued. Lead Safe certificates are good for 3 years unless there is a tenant turnover after 2 years.

If deteriorated paint conditions are seen during the visual inspection and the house is built pre-1978 then a certificate will not be issued. Possible abatement work and additional testing may be required before a lead safe certificate will be issued.

What To Expect During the Visual 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 inspector will look for paint chips or dust from painting activities that were not cleaned up and paint residue on floors.

• Visible paint chips, dust and paint residue on floor will result in a failing grade for the visual inspection.

• Any deterioration greater in size than a nail hole or larger than hairline crack will result in failing the visual inspection.

• 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 Considered Deteriorated Paint?

Per HUD guidelines, anything greater than a hairline crack or larger than a nail hole is considered deteriorated paint. If deteriorated paint is identified, then a lead safe certification will NOT be issued.

Examples of Deteriorated Paint and Intact Paint

Use the image sliders below to see examples of deteriorated paint conditions that would result in failing the visual lead paint testing.

Windowsills

Carefully inspect windowsills for any signs of cracking, peeling or bubbling paint. Pay special attention to the inside portion of the window frame for signs of paint deterioration.

Doorways

Carefully inspect the door frame for any signs of cracking, peeling or bubbling paint. Pay special attention high friction areas of the door near the knob and other hardware.

Stairs

Look for areas of chipped or peeling paint. If your stairs have carpet, ensure the banisters are free from any signs of deterioration.