So, what does this Lead Safe Certification law require of a property owner?
If you rent pre-1978 property in Summit that does not qualify for one of several exemptions, beginning July 2022, you will be required to have a VISUAL lead-paint inspection (interiors, common areas and exteriors / out buildings) upon tenancy turnover of each unit or every three years, which ever happens first. You must obtain a Lead Safe Certification or Lead Free Certification.
- Lead Safe Certification is issued where, upon inspection, a lead paint hazard(s) is/are found on the property by a local agency or state certified professional but is safely treated and requires no further action at the time of inspection or occupancy turn-over. This certification type is only good for two years and will expire.
- Lead Free Certification is issued where, upon inspection, no lead paint is found on the property by a state certified professional (Summit's local agency does not issue Lead Free Certificates). This certification type is good for the life of the property and does not expire unless a lead based paint illness is reported to the State.
If you have not tested for lead based paint and the property is pre-1978 original construction, the law states you must assume all interior and exterior paint on the property is lead-based paint.
The visual inspection required in Summit can only be done by a Municipal's local agency inspection program or a NJ DCA certified Lead Evaluation contractor all of whom will assess a fee for inspection services. A list of certified lead evaluation contractors can be found below.