A new bill signed into law on Friday September 19 requires that New Jersey landlords inform tenants of the presence of lead water lines.
The new law requires that landlords disclose to current and prospective tenants reports from water utilities that their rental unit is serviced by lines that may contain lead or are old enough to date to an era when lead piping was commonly used. Landlords must also provide tenants with copies of any notices in the last three years that describe lead levels exceeding acceptable levels in the rental unit’s service area.
The new law allows residents to request their utility test the water for a rental unit. Tests can be requested once a year or more often if lead levels are too high.
The new law received unanimous support in both chambers of the legislature. It mandates that the Departments of Community Affairs, Health, and Environmental Protection develop a notice informing residents about the risks of lead exposure and protective measures that residents can take.
The law sets the responsibility for providing notices to tenants with landlords not real estate agents.
This bill adds to existing laws requiring public community water systems to replace all lead service lines in their distribution systems by 2031. That law with its 2031 date is the focus of projects in most of the Cape May County’s municipalities.
Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
