NYC Annual Lead Paint Notice: Deadlines, Form & Rules
NYC landlords of buildings with 3 or more units built before 1960 (or 1960-1978 if the owner knows there is lead paint) must send every tenant an annual lead paint notice between January 1 and January 16. Tenants return it by February 15. If no reply comes back, the owner must try to inspect the unit between February 16 and March 1 to find out if a child under six lives there.
The rule comes from NYC Local Law 1 of 2004 (as amended). It covers multiple dwellings (3+ units) built before 1960, plus buildings built 1960-1978 where the owner knows lead-based paint is present. One- and two-family homes are covered only if the unit is rented and a child under six lives there.
January 1-16: send the annual notice to every unit. February 15: deadline for tenants to return it. February 16-March 1: if no response, attempt to inspect the unit in person. At lease signing: give the lease notice and the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home' to new tenants.
The notice asks whether a child under six lives in, or routinely spends 10+ hours a week in, the apartment. HPD publishes the official form in English and Spanish on its website. Using the HPD form is the simplest way to stay compliant.
You must perform an annual visual inspection of the unit for peeling paint and lead hazards, fix hazards using lead-safe work practices, and keep records. Under Local Law 31, you must also complete an XRF lead paint test of the unit by an EPA-certified inspector or risk assessor.
Keep copies of every notice, the delivery method (mail, hand delivery with signature, or electronic where permitted), returned forms, and inspection attempts. HPD can ask for these records during an audit, and they must be kept for 10 years.
Failing to send the notice or follow up is its own violation, separate from any peeling paint. HPD can issue violations and the owner loses an important defense if a child is later found with elevated blood lead levels. See HPD lead violation fines for typical amounts.
1. Identify covered units (built before 1960, or 1960-1978 with known lead). 2. Mail the HPD annual notice January 1-16. 3. Log returned forms by February 15. 4. Attempt inspection of non-responding units by March 1. 5. Inspect and fix any unit with a child under six. 6. Schedule XRF testing for Local Law 31. 7. File all records for 10 years.