Pursuant to P.L. 2021, c. 182, the State of New Jersey requires all municipalities to conduct periodic inspections of certain long-term rental dwellings built prior to 1978 for lead-based paint hazards. The Fire Prevention Bureau will conduct visual inspections of all long-term rental dwelling units built prior to 1978 every two (2) years in conjunction with the annual Fire inspections so as to reduce disruptions to landlords and tenants.  The Fire Prevention Bureau anticipates initiating these inspections beginning January 1, 2025. The owner/landlord does have the option, at their own cost, of directly hiring a private lead inspector to perform the lead-based paint inspection.  

If no lead-based paint hazard is identified upon inspection:

• A Lead-Safe Certificate will be issued valid for 2 years. The dwelling(s) will have to be inspected in two (2) years for continued compliance.

If a lead-based paint hazard is identified upon inspection:

• The owner/landlord, at their own cost, must hire a Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certified contractor to remediate the hazard in accordance with N.J.A.C 5:28A-2.5 and the United States Department of Housing and Urben Development 42 U.S.C. Ş4851b.
  • If utilizing interim controls for remediation:
    • The owner/landlord must provide the City’s Lead Inspector with proof that the certified RRP has completed interim controls and confirmed with a dust-wipe sample that the hazard no longer exists.
  • If utilizing abatement for remediation:
    • The owner/landlord must provide the City’s Lead Inspector with a Lead Abatement Clearance Certificate. 
• Once the hazard has been appropriately remediated, a Lead-Safe Certificate will be issued by the City’s Lead Inspector, valid for two (2) years. The dwelling will have to be reinspected in 2 years for continued compliance.

If the owner/landlord provides the City’s Lead Inspector with a valid Lead-Free Certificate for a dwelling, that dwelling will be exempt from the State-mandated lead-paint inspections.

Please visit the City’s website for the most updated information at: www.capemaycity.com/leadabatement.

Ordinance 532-2024 Providing for the Implementation of State Requirements for Lead Based Paint Inspections for Certain Residential Rental Dwelling Units can be reviewed online at: LF2138279.pdf (ecode360.com) 

For more information on State-mandated lead-paint inspections, please visit the following link: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) | Lead Hazard Abatement (nj.gov) 

For more information on the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program, please visit the following link: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program | US EPA 

Please reach out to the Fire Prevention Bureau with any questions at fireprevention@capemaycity.com or 609-884-9599.