Trenton, NJ Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Article XVIII covers single-family, two-family and multiple dwelling units offered for rent. Section 132-131B exempts units built in or after 1978, seasonal rentals leased under six months a year without consecutive renewals, units already certified lead-free, units in a pre-1978 multiple dwelling registered ten-plus years with no outstanding paint violations, and units holding a valid two-year lead-safe certification. The owner, landlord or agent must arrange the inspection with the Municipal Inspector or hire a licensed lead evaluation contractor (§ 132-132); the initial inspection must occur at tenant turnover or within two years of the law's July 22, 2022 effective date, whichever is sooner, and repeat inspections follow every turnover or at least every three years (§ 132-133).

Owners must give the Municipal Inspector 20 days' written notice before a scheduled turnover (§ 132-134). Fees run $350 for a one-bedroom unit up to $600 for five or more bedrooms, plus $300 for any reinspection and a $50 filing fee per lead-safe certification, on top of the state's $20 fee to the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Act Fund (§ 132-135). Inspections and reinspections must occur within 15 calendar days of the request (§ 132-136), and because Trenton is a municipality where more than 3% of tested children under six have elevated blood lead levels, inspections must use the dust-wipe method rather than visual assessment alone (§ 132-137). Owners are responsible for remediation and for any tenant relocation costs triggered by a lead-hazard finding (§ 132-140).