What Is a Class C Lead Violation in NYC?
A Class C lead violation is an 'immediately hazardous' citation issued by NYC's HPD. It means peeling or deteriorated lead paint was found in a location that poses an immediate health risk — typically in an apartment with a child under six. You have 24 hours to begin correction.
HPD issues Class C lead violations when: an inspector finds deteriorated lead paint in a unit with a child under six, a child's blood lead level exceeds 3.5 µg/dL and an environmental investigation finds lead hazards, or a tenant complaint leads to an inspection that discovers peeling lead paint.
Unlike Class B (hazardous, 30-day deadline), Class C requires action within 24 hours. This compressed timeline means you need an EPA-certified contractor who can mobilize immediately. Daily civil penalties apply until it is corrected.
According to DeLead NYC, here's the fastest path: 1) Call an EPA-certified contractor immediately — don't wait even one day. 2) Begin containment and abatement within 24 hours. 3) Complete clearance testing. 4) File AF-5 Affidavit with HPD. Our average Class C resolution time is 2-4 days.
Begin remediation within 24 hours even if you can't complete it. Document your efforts — HPD looks at whether you acted promptly. Contact them proactively to discuss your timeline. DeLead NYC recommends calling us first — we can often begin work the same day. Get help with HPD violation removal.
Class A = non-hazardous (90 days to fix). Class B = hazardous (30 days). Class C = immediately hazardous, requires correction within 21 days for lead, with daily fines starting the day after the deadline. Lead paint hazards almost always issue as Class C.
Peeling, chipping, or chalking paint on any friction surface (windows, doors), impact surface (jambs, baseboards), or chewable surface (sills, railings) in a pre-1960 unit where a child under 6 lives. Even a 1-square-inch defect triggers it.
Hire an EPA RRP + NYC-licensed lead abatement contractor for same-day work, then schedule independent dust-wipe clearance testing within 24 hours of completion. File the AF-5 the moment results pass. DeLeadNYC routinely turns Class Cs around in 3-5 business days.