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Audubon officials flag new DCA lead-testing rules for rental properties; ordinance likely needed
Summary
The borough administrator told commissioners the Department of Community Affairs has issued new requirements for lead testing of rental properties, saying visual inspections are inadequate and the borough may need to hire a vendor and consider how testing costs will be allocated between landlords and renters.
Borough Administrator David Taraschi told the Board of Commissioners that the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has issued new regulations requiring lead testing for rental properties, and the borough will need to consider an ordinance to implement the rules locally.
"We need to discuss an ordinance outlining what is required, who is responsible and how it will be covered financially," Taraschi said, adding that "visual inspections are not enough; looking at cracks or peeling paint and/or paint chips/dust on the floor isn't adequate." He said the borough may need to enter into a contract with a reliable vendor to perform testing and that costs may be passed to landlords while being mindful of renter impacts.
Taraschi said the borough will get estimates and continue the discussion at future meetings; no ordinance language, fee structure or timeline was presented in the caucus minutes.
The mayor's statement opening the meeting also referenced that the meeting notice had been posted in accordance with Title 10 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated.
Commissioners did not take formal action on the issue at the caucus; further drafting, solicitor review and potential ordinance introduction were discussed as next steps.
