What does lead-safe certification cost in Old Bridge Township, NJ?

Township-facilitated lead inspections (Ord. Ch. 235-24, "Other inspections"): $150/unit (1BR), $200 (2BR), $250 (3BR), $300 (4BR), $350 (5+BR), plus mandatory $20/unit state fee; this fee does not apply if the owner hires their own private lead evaluation contractor. (Separate Certificate of Approval fee for rental transfer/turnover: $165 single-family, $150 apartment.)

Who inspects rental units for lead-safe certification in Old Bridge Township?

Either (municipality or owner-hired contractor)

Old Bridge Township lead-safe certification for rentals (2026)

Q: What lead-safe inspection method does Old Bridge Township use?

Visual assessment. Ordinance ties inspection method to NJ DOH child blood-lead data: visual assessment is permitted only while Old Bridge stays below a 3% elevated-blood-lead threshold (consistent with the "Visual Inspection" method given); it would become mandatory dust-wipe sampling if that threshold is met. Ordinance defines "Municipal Lead Inspector" as a lead evaluation contractor retained by the Township, not in-house staff - so even the "municipal" path is outsourced.

Middlesex County — lead-safe rental certification under P.L.2021, c.182, as amended by P.L.2024, c.74.

Summary

Inspection method: Visual assessment (state 2025-26 list: "Visual Inspection")
Who inspects: Either (municipality or owner-hired contractor)
Municipal fee: Township-facilitated lead inspections (Ord. Ch. 235-24, "Other inspections"): $150/unit (1BR), $200 (2BR), $250 (3BR), $300 (4BR), $350 (5+BR), plus mandatory $20/unit state fee; this fee does not apply if the owner hires their own private lead evaluation contractor. (Separate Certificate of Approval fee for rental transfer/turnover: $165 single-family, $150 apartment.)
Registration: Yes - Certificate of Approval (CA) required prior to rental transfer/occupancy under Ch. 235-16B, a broader housing-inspection process distinct from the lead-safe certification itself
Contact phone: 732-721-5600 (Township main); Housing/Code Enforcement: Mike Ferro ext. 2447 (house rentals), Hemal Parekh ext. 2445 (apartment rental CA)
Program / contact page: https://www.oldbridge.com/page/housing-inspection-division-requirements
Research completeness: filled
Last verified: 2026-09-23

Notes

Ordinance ties inspection method to NJ DOH child blood-lead data: visual assessment is permitted only while Old Bridge stays below a 3% elevated-blood-lead threshold (consistent with the "Visual Inspection" method given); it would become mandatory dust-wipe sampling if that threshold is met. Ordinance defines "Municipal Lead Inspector" as a lead evaluation contractor retained by the Township, not in-house staff - so even the "municipal" path is outsourced.

Statewide 3-year certification rule applies here too

Regardless of Old Bridge Township's specific process above, the certificate itself is valid three years statewide (P.L.2024, c.74) — not the two years some older DCA guidance still states. See the lead-safe hub for the full statewide timeline, deadlines, and landlord checklist.

Sources

Old Bridge's rent control page →

Email me before my lead-safe certificate expires

We'll send a one-time confirmation email first (double opt-in) — no reminder is sent until you click the link in it. There's no scheduled reminder sender wired up yet on our end beyond that confirmation, so treat this as staking a place in line; see the disclaimer below.

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This page is informational, not legal advice, and does not review your specific situation. NJ Rent Control is an independent reference site, not a law firm or a government agency. Confirm current requirements with your municipality's code enforcement or health office, and consult a licensed New Jersey attorney about your rights or obligations.