DCA Modernizes Lead and Asbestos Certification Systems to Strengthen Safety and Improve Housing Conditions Statewide

• Posted on: 01/29/2026

New Cloud-based Application Will Streamline Certification, Enhance Reporting, and Support Safer Homes Across New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today announced a major effort to modernize the State’s lead and asbestos database systems, which are used by abatement contractors, evaluation professionals, and program staff to manage certifications, track job activity, and support housing-safety work across New Jersey. These upgrades, led by DCA’s Division of Codes and Standards’ Asbestos and Lead Hazard Unit, are being developed in partnership with the New Jersey Innovation Authority (NJIA) and the New Jersey Office of Information Technology (OIT).

“Modernizing New Jersey’s lead and asbestos certification platforms is a powerful example of how Governor Sherrill’s operational agenda translates into real, tangible improvements for communities,” said Governor Sherrill’s Chief Operating Officer Kellie Doucette. “This is exactly the type of forward-looking, technology-driven work we should be pursuing across state government - efforts that streamline services, improve performance, and better serve New Jersey residents. We appreciate the cross-agency work by the teams at DCA, NJIA and OIT that launched this initiative successfully and look forward to making collaborations like this one a model for moving forward.”

The redesigned applications will be built using Microsoft Power Platform and Azure cloud technologies. Once complete, they will replace aging, on-premises systems with modern, cloud-based tools that improve usability, expand reporting capabilities, and reduce manual processing for industry professionals and state employees.

“These upgrades represent a long-overdue investment in modern tools to protect residents from lead and asbestos hazards,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “By streamlining certification and job tracking, we are giving professionals in the field faster, clearer, and more reliable systems, ultimately helping communities repair and revitalize New Jersey’s housing stock more quickly and safely.”

The modernization will deliver a range of improvements that make the systems easier to use and more efficient, including:

• A modern interface that simplifies data entry
• Automation of manual tasks to reduce processing time
• Multi-layered security permissions to protect sensitive information
• Real-time data queries for greater transparency and reporting
• Improved certification submission and review processes
• Automatic notifications for upcoming renewals and expirations

These enhancements will support a more efficient workflow for lead and asbestos abatement professionals, reduce administrative barriers, and speed approval timelines.

“The lead and asbestos experts who work every day to keep New Jersey homes safe deserve a more efficient and modern system,” said New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole. “This project will simplify and streamline workflows, helping us foster a safer and stronger housing stock for New Jerseyans.”

Moving to a modern cloud-based platform strengthens DCA’s statewide efforts to reduce environmental hazards, improve housing conditions, and expand the availability of safe, habitable homes. The upgraded systems will help accelerate remediation work, protect residents’ health, and support long-term preservation of New Jersey’s aging housing stock.

DCA offers a wide range of other programs and services, including affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, rent and utility assistance, local planning services, historic preservation, and information privacy. 

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