Last week the governor signed A1372/S1147 which requires lead paint inspection on certain residential rental properties. The law requires that rental homes built before 1978 must be inspected for lead-based paint hazards at tenant turnover OR within two years of the legislation—this is not a time-of-sale requirement.

Lead paint inspections will not start until one year after the bill was signed—July 22, 2022.

The new law contains nearly $4 million to assist landlords in complying with its provisions and creates an educational program Realtors^® will be involved with about its contents. The law also creates requirements for landlords and testing varies between swabbing and visual tests based on municipality-wide levels. The legislation also allows the Department of Community Affairs to fine or penalize municipalities that do not comply and provides municipalities the ability to penalize and fine property owners.

If you have any questions please contact the NJ REALTORS Government Affairs Department through their main line 609-341-7100.