What happens during a NJ lead-safe visual inspection

August 6, 2026

Plan on 30–60 minutes per unit. The inspector walks every room and checks painted surfaces against HUD visual assessment guidelines, focusing on friction and impact surfaces: window sashes and wells, door edges and jambs, trim, stair rails. Intact paint passes. Deteriorated paint (peeling, chipping, cracking, chalking) fails.

Step by step

1. Paperwork check. Unit address, year built, your contact info, and any prior certificates. In Hoboken, the Chapter 125 application must already be on file, at least 24 hours ahead.

2. Room-by-room walkthrough. Every room, closet, and hallway. The inspector looks at each painted surface, with extra attention where paint gets rubbed or knocked: windows, doors, stairs, radiators, baseboards.

3. Friction and impact surfaces. Window sashes get opened and closed; wells and troughs inspected. These are the highest-risk surfaces because friction turns old paint into dust.

4. Common areas. In multi-unit buildings, hallways, stairwells, and entries the tenant uses are part of the assessment.

5. The call. Pass: the lead-safe certificate is prepared and filed with the municipality. Fail: you get a written list of the exact surfaces that need work, then a re-inspection.

What the inspector is not doing

No paint sampling, no lab work, no XRF gun; that is the lead-free test, a different product. A visual inspection also does not check water, soil, or dust unless the inspector decides dust wipes are warranted; see visual vs. dust wipe.

photo: inspector at window sash
(partner photos, phase 2)

photo: deteriorated paint example
(partner photos, phase 2)

photo: certificate being issued
(partner photos, phase 2)

Process questions

Does the tenant need to leave during the inspection?

No. It is non-invasive: no chemicals, no dust generation, no furniture moving beyond access to windows.

What paperwork do I get at the end?

A written report; if the unit passes, the lead-safe certificate follows and is filed with the municipality. Keep both.

Can several units be done in one visit?

Yes, and it is cheaper per unit. Same building, back to back; see pricing.

Book the walkthrough

One call, inspection within 48 hours.

☎ Call (848) 313-9426