LeadSafe Lookup

Lead-safe certificate rules in Jersey City

Rentals in Jersey City built before 1978 need a lead-safe certificate from a lead inspection, unless an exemption applies.

Jersey 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
$200 per unit when the City inspects, plus the $20 state fee

Check whether a specific property is covered or work out its next due date.

Getting the certificate in Jersey City

  1. Confirm the building was built before 1978 and no exemption applies.
  2. Register the property with the Division of Housing Preservation through the City permit portal, then either request a City inspection (the "Lead-Based Paint Inspection" application) or hire a certified firm yourself. Proof of an exemption goes in the "Certified Lead Evaluation Registration" application. Both need an affidavit. Update the registration within 20 days of a tenant turnover.
  3. If the inspector finds lead hazards, have them fixed (interim controls or abatement) and re-inspected.
  4. Keep the lead-safe certificate, report each tenant turnover to Jersey City, and book the next inspection before the certificate's three years run out.

Jersey City's ordinance (2023) still describes inspections every two years. State law (P.L.2024, c.74) now says certificates last three years.

Town office: Division of Housing Preservation.

Certified inspectors near Jersey City

From NJ DCA's list of certified lead evaluation contractors (revised October 28, 2026). Firms travel, so ask whether they cover Jersey City.

Based in Hudson County

  • All Lead NJ, LLC201-954-0292Jersey City, NJ (Hudson County)
  • Selva Lead Paint Inspection551-327-6660Secaucus, NJ (Hudson County)

Based in neighbouring counties

  • A Liu Company732-301-4599Montclair, NJ (Essex County)
  • A-Arcalenz, LLC862-224-2356West Orange, NJ (Essex County)
  • A. Paul Contracting CORP.973-705-9555Hillside, NJ (Union County)
  • Abated, LLC908-372-8375Elizabeth, NJ (Union County)
  • Absolute Jm Services LLC862-250-1925Orange, NJ (Essex County)
  • Aim Environmental LLC201-528-5047Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County)
  • Apex Environmental Consulting, LLC551-204-5364Paramus, NJ (Bergen County)
  • Aspis Environmental, LLC609-433-6258Newark, NJ (Essex County)

See all 187 certified firms.

Questions landlords ask

Do rentals in Jersey 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 Jersey City.

What kind of lead inspection does Jersey City use?

Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey City?

Jersey City: $200 per unit when the City inspects, plus the $20 state fee. A private certified firm sets its own price for the inspection itself.

Can I hire my own lead inspector in Jersey City?

Yes. New Jersey requires every town to let owners hire a certified lead evaluation contractor directly. NJ DCA lists 187 certified firms.

Sources

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