NYC Lead Paint Disclosure Rules for Landlords and Sellers
Before renting or selling housing built before 1978, federal law requires owners to disclose any known lead paint and hazards, share any reports they have, give the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home', and include a Lead Warning Statement in the lease or contract. NYC adds its own lease notice for buildings covered by Local Law 1.
1. Disclose known lead paint and hazards in the unit and common areas. 2. Hand over all available lead records and reports, including XRF results. 3. Give the EPA pamphlet. 4. Include the Lead Warning Statement, signed by both sides. 5. Keep signed copies for at least 3 years.
Buyers get a 10-day period to have a lead inspection or risk assessment before they are bound by the contract, unless they waive it in writing. Real estate agents must make sure sellers comply.
In buildings covered by Local Law 1, owners must give new tenants a lead paint notice with the lease asking if a child under 6 will live there, then follow up with the yearly notice. See annual notice requirements.
Open HPD lead violations show up in buyer due diligence and can delay closings. Check the building on our free HPD violation lookup and read selling a property with lead violations.
Failing to disclose can bring federal civil penalties and liability for damages. In NYC, missing notices can also lead to HPD violations.