Recently, some property owners received this letter from the USPS in regard to lead inspections. If you are not a rental property and landlord, this letter does not pertain to you and you can disregard. If you are a rental property and landlord, please acquaint yourself with the letter and/or information below.

Attention Landlords!

New Jersey P.L. 2021, Chapter 182 requires all rental dwellings to be inspected for lead hazards. The Township of West Caldwell recently passed an ordinance to comply with this law. This law applies to all rentals that were built before 1978, whether single family or multi-family. The Township of West Caldwell is required to do a visual inspection of painted surfaces every 3 years, or upon tenant turnover. If hazards are found the owner must remediate through abatement or interim control measures. The law also allows for an owner to hire a certified lead evaluator contractor or have the Township of West Caldwell conduct the inspection.

FAQs

How do I schedule an inspection with the building department?
Please call 973-226-2302 and ask to speak to an inspector to schedule a lead inspection

What are the fees?
$200 visual inspection fee per unit (If utilizing a township inspector)
$50 administrative fee (if utilizing a private inspection firm)
$20 fee per unit to the State of NJ to fund the "Lead Hazard Control Assistance Act"

Will there be money owed to the Township if I use my own contractor?
Yes, the filing fee and the state fee are still required if you are using your own contractor.

What does an inspection consist of?
A Township inspector will come into your unit and look for cracked and peeling paint. If all paint is intact, a lead safe certificate will be issued for your unit. This certificate will be good for 3 years or if there is tenant turnover.  If the inspector finds hazards, the owner will be required to abate the hazard or use interim controls to correct it. A reinspection will be performed and a certificate will be issued once the reinspection is complete.

Who is exempt from the law?

• Dwellings that have been certified to be free of lead-based paint either after an abatement is completed or an evaluation has confirmed there is no lead-based paint in the dwelling
• Dwellings constructed during or after 1978
• Multiple dwellings that have been registered with the DCA as a multiple dwelling for at least 10 years, either under current or previous owner, and has no outstanding lead violations from the most recent cyclical inspections
• Seasonal rental dwellings which are rented for less than 6 months