LeadSafe Lookup

Lead-safe certificate rules in Paterson City

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

Paterson City uses dust-wipe sampling: the inspector wipes floors and window sills and sends the wipes to a lab. State health data put Paterson City among the towns where at least 3% of young children tested had elevated blood lead levels.

Inspection method
Dust-wipe sampling
Certificate lasts
3 years
Next inspection
When it runs out
Fee
Set by Paterson 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 Paterson City

  1. Confirm the building was built before 1978 and no exemption applies.
  2. Book the inspection, either through Paterson City's own lead inspection program or with a certified lead evaluation firm you hire. If you hire a firm, it sends Paterson City a copy of any certificate it issues.
  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 Paterson City, and book the next inspection before the certificate's three years run out.

We haven't reviewed Paterson City's own ordinance yet, so the town fee and booking steps above are the statewide rule. Ask Paterson City's code enforcement or construction office for its fee.

Certified inspectors near Paterson City

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

Based in Passaic County

  • A1 Environmental Inspections973-960-1192Little Falls, NJ (Passaic County)
  • Homelogic Inspection Services201-477-8573Wayne, NJ (Passaic County)
  • Knox Home Inspections, LLC973-800-4063West Milford, NJ (Passaic County)
  • Mandell Lead Inspectors, INC.973-785-7574Totowa, NJ (Passaic County)
  • Pro Vista Home Inspections862-232-9372Passaic, NJ (Passaic County)
  • Skyline Environmental Services862-684-0094Ringwood, NJ (Passaic County)
  • Ts Delta, INC201-741-3736Clifton, NJ (Passaic County)

Based in neighbouring counties

  • A Liu Company732-301-4599Montclair, NJ (Essex County)
  • A-Arcalenz, LLC862-224-2356West Orange, NJ (Essex County)
  • Abs Environmental Group, LLC973-583-8500Glenwood, NJ (Sussex 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)

See all 187 certified firms.

Questions landlords ask

Do rentals in Paterson 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 Paterson City.

What kind of lead inspection does Paterson City use?

Paterson City uses dust-wipe sampling: the inspector wipes floors and window sills and sends the wipes to a lab. State health data put Paterson City among the towns where at least 3% of young children tested had elevated blood lead levels.

When is the lead inspection due in Paterson 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 Paterson City?

Paterson 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 Paterson 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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