Lead-safe certificate rules in Cape May City
Rentals in Cape May City built before 1978 need a lead-safe certificate from a lead inspection, unless an exemption applies.
Cape May City uses a visual assessment: the inspector checks painted surfaces for peeling, chipping or flaking paint and visible dust or debris.
- Inspection method
- Visual assessment
- Certificate lasts
- 3 years
- Next inspection
- When it runs out
- Fee
- Set by Cape May City, plus $20 per unit for the state
Check whether a specific property is covered or work out its next due date.
Getting the certificate in Cape May City
- Confirm the building was built before 1978 and no exemption applies.
- Book the inspection, either through Cape May City's own lead inspection program or with a certified lead evaluation firm you hire. If you hire a firm, it sends Cape May City a copy of any certificate it issues.
- If the inspector finds lead hazards, have them fixed (interim controls or abatement) and re-inspected.
- Keep the lead-safe certificate, report each tenant turnover to Cape May City, and book the next inspection before the certificate's three years run out.
We haven't reviewed Cape May City's own ordinance yet, so the town fee and booking steps above are the statewide rule. Ask Cape May City's code enforcement or construction office for its fee.
Certified inspectors near Cape May City
From NJ DCA's list of certified lead evaluation contractors (revised October 28, 2026). Firms travel, so ask whether they cover Cape May City.
Based in Cape May County
- Berenato ENV. Associates, LLC609-399-6653Ocean City, NJ (Cape May County)
Based in neighbouring counties
- 1 All American Lead Services609-319-3149Millville, NJ (Cumberland County)
- Ak Construction, INC609-377-0483Egg Harbor Twp., NJ (Atlantic County)
- American ENV Of Southern NJ856-451-1344Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County)
- G-Air, LLC856-459-9300Greenwich, NJ (Cumberland County)
- NJ Lead Inspections, LLC609-774-1787Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County)
- Side By Side MRO856-701-6462Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County)
- Tahshin Construction, LLC609-576-2759Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County)
- Z Construction, LLC609-271-6865Atlantic City, NJ (Atlantic County)
- Zitro Environmental, LLC856-392-3142Bridgeton, NJ (Cumberland County)
Questions landlords ask
Do rentals in Cape May City, NJ need a lead-safe certificate?
Yes, if the rental was built before 1978 and no exemption applies. New Jersey's lead-safe law (P.L.2021, c.182) covers single-family, two-family and multi-unit rentals in every municipality, including Cape May City.
What kind of lead inspection does Cape May City use?
Cape May City uses a visual assessment: the inspector checks painted surfaces for peeling, chipping or flaking paint and visible dust or debris.
When is the lead inspection due in Cape May City?
The first inspection was due by July 22, 2024, or at an earlier tenant turnover. A lead-safe certificate is valid for three years (P.L.2024, c.74 raised it from two), and the next inspection is due when it runs out. A tenant turnover while the certificate is valid needs no new inspection.
How much does a lead-safe inspection cost in Cape May City?
Cape May City sets its own inspection fee, and the state adds $20 per unit. A private certified firm sets its own price.
Can I hire my own lead inspector in Cape May City?
Yes. New Jersey requires every town to let owners hire a certified lead evaluation contractor directly. NJ DCA lists 187 certified firms.
Sources
- NJ DCA: 2025-26 Lead-Based Paint Inspection Methodology (municipal listing). Cape May City: visual. Checked November 13, 2026
- P.L.2024, c.74 (approved September 12, 2024): certificates valid three years
- NJ DCA: Lead-Based Paint in Rental Dwellings Guidelines. Written before the 2024 amendment; its two-year certificate rule is out of date
- NJ DCA: Lead-Based Paint Inspections in Rental Dwelling Units
- NJ DCA: List of Certified Lead Evaluation Contractors
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