Livingston Township is reminding landlords that only rental properties are required to undergo inspections for lead-based paint hazards, as mandated by New Jersey law. Homeowners who do not rent out their properties are not affected by this requirement.
A recent communication from LEW Environmental Services about lead paint was sent to some residents. The township clarified that this letter did not come from them and emphasized that inspections apply solely to rental units. Property owners can choose any New Jersey-licensed company, including LEW Environmental Services, to conduct the inspection.
The state regulation (N.J.A.C. 5:28A) requires periodic inspections of certain rental properties unless they meet specific exemptions. Exemptions include units built after 1978, seasonal rentals occupied for less than six months per year without consecutive renewals, dwellings certified lead-free under N.J.A.C. 5:17-3.16(b), multiple dwellings registered with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for at least ten years with no outstanding lead violations, and those holding a valid DCA certificate of inspection or a valid lead-safe certificate issued under P.L.2021, c.182.
Landlords should note several important deadlines: July 22, 2025 is the state deadline for inspections; September 22, 2025 is the last date by which landlords can schedule an inspection without penalty; and all inspections must be completed by the end of 2025.
“Only rental properties must be inspected for lead-based paint hazards. Rental properties may use LEW Environmental Services or another New Jersey-licensed company to perform lead inspections,” according to township officials.
The law was updated in 2022 to expand inspection requirements to one- and two-unit rental properties in addition to multi-unit dwellings already regulated. The aim is to prevent childhood lead poisoning, as exposure can cause serious health issues—especially in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines requiring blood lead level testing for children at ages one and two and has lowered the threshold for what is considered an elevated blood lead level.
To assist property owners in meeting these requirements, Livingston Township has partnered with LEW Environmental Services but reiterates that landlords may hire any licensed company certified in New Jersey. For more information on whether a property requires inspection or details on scheduling and costs, landlords are encouraged to contact LEW Environmental at 1-800-783-0567 or visit www.lewenvironmental.com/livingston.
“We appreciate residents’ cooperation in following this state-mandated program,” township officials stated.
For further details about the state’s requirements, visit the NJ Department of Community Affairs website.
