What happens if I miss my NJ lead inspection?

1. You get 30 days to fix it

When the municipality finds you have not complied, you must be given 30 days to cure the violation by ordering the inspection or starting remediation. NJ DCA

2. Then up to $1,000 per week

If you have not cured it within 30 days, the penalty is up to $1,000 per week until the inspection is done or remediation has started. NJ DCA Cities repeat this in their own codes, for example Trenton §132-142, Clifton §273-47 and Newark.

3. Local fines can add up

• Newark: up to $300 per unit if you don't give access for a scheduled city inspection. Newark ordinance
• Paterson: up to $2,000 or 90 days per offense, each day a separate offense. §351-7
• Jersey City: owners who don't register are subject to a fine (amount not stated in the ordinance).

4. What "remediation started" means

Trenton's code, for example, counts remediation as started once you have hired a lead abatement contractor or another qualified party to do lead-hazard control. §132-142F

5. What to do now

1. Book a DCA-certified lead evaluation contractor, or ask your municipality to inspect. Every town must let you hire your own certified contractor. P.L.2024, c.74
2. Keep proof of the booking date, since ordering the inspection is what cures the violation.
3. Give tenants the lead-safe certificate and attach it to the lease. P.L.2024, c.74

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