Landlord Responsibilities Under NYC Lead Paint Law
NYC landlords face extensive responsibilities under lead paint law. Failure to meet any of these obligations can result in violations, fines, and legal liability. According to DeLead NYC, organized compliance is the most cost-effective approach.
You must conduct annual visual inspections of every apartment where a child under six resides. Look for any deteriorated paint — peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking. Document your inspections with photos and dates.
Under Local Law 31, you must perform XRF testing during apartment turnovers (when a tenant moves out) and as part of your Community District's inspection cycle. Testing must be performed by an EPA-certified inspector using a calibrated XRF device.
When lead hazards are found, you must: hire an EPA-certified abatement contractor, begin remediation within 24 hours for Class C violations, use lead-safe work practices, pass clearance testing, and file certification with HPD.
You must provide tenants annually with: written notice about lead paint, EPA lead hazard pamphlet, questionnaire about children under six, and your contact information. Keep proof of delivery for your records.
Maintain records for at least 10 years: XRF test results, abatement records, clearance test reports, annual inspection logs, tenant notification records, and HPD compliance filings.
DeLead NYC recommends budgeting annually: $150-$300 per unit for XRF testing, $500-$1,500 per room for remediation when needed, and $2,000-$5,000 per year for a small portfolio's maintenance. Contact us for a portfolio assessment.
Send the annual tenant notice in January, conduct an annual visual inspection of every pre-1960 unit, remediate any peeling paint or lead hazards within 21 days, maintain lead safety records for 10+ years, and complete LL31 XRF testing on the 5-year cycle.