Howell, NJ Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Howell Township folded New Jersey's Lead Safe Certificate Law (P.L. 2021, c. 182) into its rental inspection program through § 178-22(F), added 11-22-2022 by Ord. No. O-22-68. Before a rental certificate is issued and before a tenant occupies, any rental unit constructed prior to 1978 must pass an inspection that checks for deteriorated paint, debris, dust or residue. Each such unit must receive a lead safe certificate upon each rental turnover (change of tenancy) or every three years, whichever comes first. A lead safe certificate is valid for two years, and if the change in tenancy occurs before the certificate expires, an inspection is not required.

The code set the deadline for the initial inspection of all rental units at before July 31, 2024. If the lead paint inspection fails, the owner or landlord must remediate the issues noted in the inspection report within 30 days. Failure to do so results in a notice of violation and a penalty under § 178-30. The lead check sits alongside the general rental inspection program. Under § 178-22(C), inspections under that section are performed by the Housing Official or another duly appointed official authorized by the Township.

An unsatisfactory inspection blocks registration and issuance of a certificate under § 178-22(E). The definition of "rental unit" in § 178-17 excludes I Use Groups as defined by the Uniform Construction Code. Rental certificates and landlord registrations are renewed and inspected annually under § 178-25, and certificate fees are set under § 178-26 and Chapter 139.