How to File an HPD Complaint in NYC for Peeling Paint
To file an HPD complaint in NYC, call 311 or use the 311 website or app and choose a housing complaint for paint or plaster. Say if a child under 6 lives in the apartment. HPD prioritizes peeling paint complaints in older buildings where young children live, and may send an inspector to test the paint.
Tell your landlord or super in writing first and keep a copy. Take dated photos of the peeling paint, especially on window sills, doors, and floors. Note when the building was built. Pre-1960 buildings are presumed to have lead paint.
1. Call 311 or go to the NYC 311 website. 2. Choose a residential complaint: paint or plaster, peeling. 3. Give your address, apartment number, and contact details. 4. Mention if a child under 6 lives there or visits 10+ hours a week. 5. Save the complaint number.
HPD contacts the tenant to arrange access. An inspector checks the conditions and may test the paint with an XRF device. If lead paint hazards are found, HPD issues a violation to the owner. Lead paint violations are Class C, the most serious type. The owner must fix them using lead-safe methods. If the owner does not, HPD can send its own contractor and bill the owner.
Use the complaint number with 311 to check status. Once HPD issues a violation, it shows up on our free HPD violation lookup. Search by ZIP, BIN, or Borough/Block/Lot.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who report conditions. Read more in tenant rights for lead paint in NYC.