Wayne, NJ Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Chapter 99, Article VI of the Wayne Township Code, added 8-16-2023 by Ord. No. 37-2023, puts a lead-based paint inspection duty on rental owners in Wayne Township. Section 99-50.2 applies to every single-family, two-family and multiple dwelling unit offered for rental: the owner, landlord or agent must get the unit inspected for lead-based paint hazards within two years of July 22, 2022 or at tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. Section 99-50.3 then requires a new inspection every three years or at tenant turnover, whichever is earlier, with no turnover inspection needed when the owner holds a valid lead-safe certification.

Section 99-50.4 exempts a unit that is certified free of lead-based paint, was constructed during or after 1978, sits in a multiple dwelling registered with the Department of Community Affairs for at least 10 years with no outstanding lead violations, is a seasonal single-family or two-family rental rented for less than six months a year, or holds a valid lead-safe certification. The inspection is a visual assessment of deteriorated paint or visible surface dust, debris or residue (§ 99-50.5). A clean result earns a lead-safe certification valid for two years, and at tenant turnover the owner must give the tenant and the Township evidence of it and attach a copy to the lease (§ 99-50.8). The owner must also pass a copy to prospective owners at a sale.

When a hazard is found, the owner pays for remediation by interim controls or abatement (§ 99-50.7). For interim controls, a dust wipe re-inspection follows within 60 days of the initial inspection.

Fees under § 99-50.9 for the Township's lead inspector: $50 application review, $400 for an initial one-bedroom inspection plus $50 for each additional bedroom, $250 re-inspection, a $20 DCA fee, and $50 per dust wipe sample. Expedited service adds $100, $250 or $750 depending on the business-day window, and the administrative fee for a lead-safe or lead-free certification is $25.