What is Local Law 31 NYC? Simple Explanation for Property Owners
Local Law 31 is a New York City law that requires property owners to inspect their buildings for lead paint and fix any hazards. It applies to buildings with 3 or more units built before 1960. Here's what you need to know, explained simply.
In simple terms, LL31 says: if you own an older building in NYC, you must check for lead paint regularly and fix any problems you find. Specifically, you must conduct annual visual inspections in apartments with children under six, perform XRF testing during tenant turnovers, fix any lead paint hazards promptly, keep records for at least 10 years, and notify tenants about lead hazards every year.
You must comply if your building has 3 or more apartments AND was built before 1960 (or 1960-1978 if lead paint is known). This covers most older apartment buildings in NYC — brownstones, walk-ups, and large complexes.
The city can fine you daily civil penalties under the NYC Housing Maintenance Code for each violation. If they find peeling lead paint in an apartment with a young child, you have just 24 hours to start fixing it. If you don't, the city can do the work themselves and send you the bill — at premium rates.
XRF stands for X-Ray Fluorescence. It's a device that can detect lead in paint instantly without damaging the surface. An inspector holds it against each painted surface and it tells you whether lead is present and at what level. It's the testing method required by Local Law 31.
According to DeLead NYC, here's the simplest path to compliance: 1) Schedule an XRF inspection of your building. 2) Get a written report showing which surfaces have lead. 3) Fix any lead hazards using EPA-certified methods. 4) Pass clearance testing to prove it's safe. 5) File your paperwork with HPD.
DeLead NYC specializes in making Local Law 31 compliance simple. We handle everything from testing to fixing to paperwork — one phone call, full compliance. Our EPA-certified team serves all five NYC boroughs. Read our complete Local Law 31 guide or get a free estimate.
NYC law requiring owners of pre-1960 buildings with three or more apartments to have an EPA-certified inspector XRF-test every unit for lead paint by August 9, 2025 — and every 5 years after.