DCA Opens Application Portal for Lead Remediation and Abatement Program

• Posted on: 02/26/2024

Landlords and Tenants Can Now Apply Online for Grant Funding to Remove Lead from Homes Built Before 1978

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced the recent opening of the Lead Remediation and Grant Program (LRAP) application portal. Landlords and tenants can now apply online for assistance with removing lead-based hazards from homes that may have lead-based paint. Landlords and tenants can visit the application portal at: https://nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/lrap.shtml. Applications can also be submitted to a designated community-based agency or municipality.

In the FY2023 budget, an unprecedented commitment of $180 million was made to address the ongoing threat of childhood lead poisoning. Lead is toxic, especially to children and can potentially cause permanent health issues. One way young children can be exposed to lead is by putting lead-based paint chips in their mouths or by inhaling dust in and around their homes or apartments.

“These grant funds are an investment in the improvement of health and remediation and abatement of lead hazards in affordable housing across the state,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Through the LRAP program, DCA has built capacity within certified community-based organizations throughout New Jersey through employment opportunities and apprenticeships, training, and provision of seed capital to introduce these organizations into the lead remediation and abatement field, which allows them to act as contractors for this important work.”

Tenants who have identified deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, or damaged paint) are encouraged to reach out to their landlord, building owner, local housing authority, or current grantees for assistance, as this is a sign of a hazard and needs immediate attention.  

Tenants households who meet the following requirements may qualify for help:

• Must be income-eligible, at or below 80% of the area median income for the county in which the municipality is situated.
• Property was built prior to 1978
• Property has lead-based paint hazards
• Property contains no more than four residential units
• Property is free from structural issues

In July 2022, the State of New Jersey implemented a new law, P.L.2021, c.182, concerning certain lead-based paint hazards in residential rental property. The law sets forth certain requirements to perform inspections of certain single-family, two-family, and multiple-rental dwellings for lead-based paint hazards.

All rental dwelling units required to be inspected pursuant to P.L.2021, c.182 must be inspected for lead-based paint no later than July 22, 2024 or upon tenant turnover, whichever is earlier. If lead-based paint hazards are identified, then the owner of the dwelling shall remediate the hazards through abatement or lead-based paint hazard control mechanisms. Landlords can directly hire a certified lead evaluation contractor for this purpose.

Landlords interested in remediating their units through LRAP must first ensure that the occupants renting their unit(s) meet the program requirements. If the residence is vacant at the time of application, the landlord must place income-eligible tenants in the building within 120 days of the completion of remediation and/or abatement work.

Priority will be given to proposals that serve areas with the highest level of need, based on the number of children under the age of six with elevated blood lead levels.

Applications approved for assistance will be assigned to a certified contractor in the service area where the home resides.

Approved contractors will conduct lead-safe repairs and energy efficiency improvements in residential units built prior to 1978. These funds will be used to identify and remediate lead-based paint hazards through encapsulation, replacement, or abatement. Encapsulation and replacement are defined as a set of measures designed to temporarily reduce human exposure or likely exposure to lead-based paint hazards. Lead abatement measures provide a long-term solution to removing lead-based paint hazards from surfaces and components via replacement and/or repair. Priority will be given to proposals that serve areas with the highest level of need, based on the number of children under the age of six with elevated blood lead levels.

LRAP grant funding also supports non-profits, for-profit agencies, and municipalities in removing lead-based hazards from homes of low- to moderate-income households.

DLGS serves as an advocate for local government interests and provides technical and financial assistance in budgeting, financial reporting, joint services, purchasing, and management issues. It is responsible for the financial integrity of all local government units and reviews and approves all municipal, county, and fire district budgets. The Division also reviews many local government financial actions and governs and guides the conduct of local government officials.

In addition to local government services, DCA offers a wide range of programs, including affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: