Ridgewood, NJ Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 228-3, Inspections and responsibilities
- Inspection cycle
- Every 3 years or at tenant turnover
- Who inspects
- Village or DCA-certified private contractor
- Notice required
- 20 days before tenant turnover
- Cure period
- 30 days before penalty accrues
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 per week uncured
Summary
Every single-family, two-family and multiple rental dwelling in the Village of Ridgewood must undergo a lead-based paint inspection every three years or at each tenant turnover, whichever comes first, performed by the Village's contractor or a certified private inspector.
A. The Village Building Official, Health Officer and/or Code Enforcement Official shall be authorized and empowered to conduct periodic lead-based inspections for all applicable dwelling units offered for rent to determine the presence of lead-based paint, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.6 and N.J.A.C. 5:28A-1.1 et seq. ... E. The owner, landlord, and/or agent of every single-family, two-family, or multiple rental dwelling unit offered for rental shall be required to obtain an inspection of the unit for lead-based paint hazards every three years, or at tenant turnover, whichever is earlier.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4854397; v35 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 228, Rental Property, Article I, adopted February 14, 2024 by Ordinance No. 3982, sets up Ridgewood's periodic rental inspection program. Section 228-3A authorizes the Village Building Official, Health Officer or Code Enforcement Official to conduct periodic lead-based inspections of applicable rental dwelling units, and § 228-3B has a lead evaluation contractor retained by the Village inspect every single-family, two-family or multiple rental dwelling in the Village through visual assessment and dust wipe sampling. Under § 228-3C and D, the owner, landlord or managing agent is responsible for obtaining the inspection, either through the Village's retained contractor or by hiring a DCA-certified private lead evaluation contractor, and paying the associated fee.
Section 228-3E fixes the inspection cycle: every three years, or at tenant turnover, whichever is earlier, and § 228-3F requires the landlord to give the Village Building Official at least 20 calendar days' written notice before a scheduled tenant turnover so an inspection can be arranged. Section 228-3G exempts units already certified lead-free, built during or after 1978, part of a multiple dwelling registered for at least ten years with no outstanding lead violations, short-term seasonal rentals under six months without consecutive renewals, or already carrying a valid lead-safe certification.
Fees for each inspection are set under Chapter 145, Fees, per § 228-5A, and no inspection or reinspection proceeds until fees are paid in full.
Violations & Fines
A property owner who does not have the required inspection performed, or does not start remediation once a hazard is found, gets 30 days to cure the violation under § 228-6A. If the owner still has not cured after 30 days, § 228-6B imposes a penalty of up to $1,000 per week until the inspection is completed or remediation begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must Ridgewood rental units be inspected for lead paint?
Can a Ridgewood landlord choose their own inspector?
What notice does a landlord owe the Village before a tenant moves out?
Which rental units are exempt from Ridgewood's lead inspection cycle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgewood
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