Hamilton, NJ Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Code Ch. 268, Art. IV
- Inspection cycle
- Turnover or 3 years, whichever earlier
- Single-family fee
- $475 dust-wipe sampling
- State surcharge
- $20 per inspection
- Cure period
- 30 calendar days
- Late penalty
- Up to $1,000 per week
Summary
Hamilton requires every single-family, two-family and multi-family rental unit to pass a lead-based paint inspection at tenant turnover or on a fixed cycle, unless it qualifies for an exemption. An outside agency retained by the Township performs dust-wipe testing, and owners who miss the deadline face escalating weekly civil penalties.
The owner, landlord, and/or agent of every single-family, two-family, and/or multiple dwelling unit offered for rental shall be required to obtain an inspection of the unit for lead-based paint hazards as required in this chapter, or at tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. ... The owner of the dwelling shall first be given a period of 30 calendar days to cure any violation by conducting the required inspection or initiating any required remediation efforts. If the owner of the dwelling has not cured the violation within that time period, they shall be subject to a penalty, not to exceed $1,000 per week, until the required inspection has been conducted or the remediation efforts have been initiated.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4984352; v35 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
A. 16, at the local level. Under Section 268-20, the owner, landlord or agent of every single-family, two-family or multiple dwelling unit offered for rent must obtain a lead-based paint inspection as required by the chapter, or at tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. Section 268-21 sets the schedule: the initial inspection is due at tenant turnover or within two years of the law's July 22, 2022 effective date, whichever is sooner, and every three years thereafter or at tenant turnover, unless the unit holds a valid lead-safe certification, which is good for two years.
Section 268-19C exempts units built during or after 1978, units already certified free of lead-based paint, units in a multiple dwelling registered with the state for at least 10 years with no outstanding lead violations, and single-family or two-family seasonal rentals under six months without consecutive renewals. Inspections use HUD-approved dust-wipe sampling of floors, windowsills and similar surfaces under Section 268-22, performed by a licensed lead evaluation contractor retained by the Township or hired directly by the owner. The landlord must give the Housing Division 20 calendar days' written notice before a scheduled tenant turnover under Section 268-23, and inspections must occur within 15 calendar days of a request under Section 268-24.
Fees run from $475 for a single-family home to $610 for a four-family home, plus a mandatory $20 surcharge deposited into the state's Lead Hazard Control Assistance Act Fund under Section 268-28.
Violations & Fines
The Housing Division, empowered under Section 268-30, first gives the dwelling owner 30 calendar days to cure a violation by scheduling the required inspection or beginning remediation. If the owner has not cured the violation within that window, the Township may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per week until the inspection is completed or remediation is initiated. Remediation counts as initiated once the owner has hired a licensed lead abatement contractor or other qualified party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hamilton rentals need a lead inspection?
How often must the inspection be repeated?
What happens if a Hamilton landlord skips the inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hamilton
Compare Hamilton to another location·View the New Jersey building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.