New Jersey property reference
A plain-English reference to the dates and thresholds that come up most often for older homes and rentals. Last reviewed October 5, 2026.
Start with the numbers
These figures are drawn from federal public sources. They can help you frame a question about an older home, a rental turnover, or planned work, but they do not replace the requirements that apply to a specific New Jersey property.
Need help choosing an inspection method? Review lead paint inspection options or talk through your property.
Citable figures
Each figure has its own stable link and source, so it is easy to check or cite.
1978
Paint made for consumer use with more than 0.06% lead was banned for products manufactured after February 27, 1978. Older paint layers can still be present in a property today.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1978 final ruleAbout 1 in 2
EPA’s March 2026 renovation guide says about half of homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. A building year is a useful first clue, but a property-specific inspection answers the real question.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, updated March 20266 sq. ft.
For a covered pre-1978 home, EPA identifies more than six square feet of painted surface per room as the general interior threshold for minor repair and maintenance work. Window replacement and demolition are covered regardless of area.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency RRP guidance, accessed October 5, 202620 sq. ft.
For covered pre-1978 homes, EPA identifies more than 20 square feet of exterior painted surface as the general threshold for minor repair and maintenance work. This is a federal renovation rule, not a substitute for property-specific advice.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency RRP guidance, accessed October 5, 20261.0 mg/cm²
EPA notes that an affected component can be determined lead-free for the renovation rule when testing finds lead below 1.0 milligrams per square centimeter, or below 0.5% by weight. Qualified professionals use the appropriate testing method for the situation.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RRP frequently asked question, accessed October 5, 2026Pre-1978
Before a lease or sale contract is signed, most renters and buyers of housing built before 1978 have a right to available information about known lead-based paint and lead hazards.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency disclosure guidance, accessed October 5, 2026Methodology and sources
This page uses primary public sources, chiefly the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Each figure links directly to the source used. We review the page regularly and update it when an underlying source changes.
The New Jersey Department of Health also publishes annual childhood lead reports. Those reports describe statewide screening and public-health activity, but this page does not turn them into property-level risk estimates.
View New Jersey childhood lead reportsCite this page
NJ Lead Testing LLC. “New Jersey Lead Paint Facts and Figures.” Updated October 5, 2026. https://njleadtesting.org/facts
For a specific number, link directly to the figure above and include the original public source.
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