What is Local Law 31 NYC? Complete Guide
Local Law 31 is a New York City law that requires owners of buildings with three or more units built before 1960 to conduct annual lead paint inspections, perform XRF testing during apartment turnovers, and remediate all lead hazards to protect children under six. Non-compliance results in fines of $1,000–$2,000 per day.
If you own a building in NYC with 3 or more apartments built before 1960, you must check for lead paint every year and fix any problems. If you don't, the city can fine you over $1,000 every day until you do.
Owners of multiple dwellings (3+ units) built before 1960
Buildings built between 1960–1978 where lead paint is known to exist
Properties where a child under six resides
All rent-stabilized and rent-controlled apartments in qualifying buildings
Both residential landlords and property management companies
Your building has 3+ units and was built before 1960 (or 1960–1978 with known lead paint). If yes, you must comply with Local Law 31.
Every year, inspect all units where a child under six resides. Look for deteriorated paint on all surfaces — walls, windows, doors, trim, and radiators.
Hire an EPA-certified inspector for XRF testing during turnovers and on your HPD-assigned inspection cycle. Every painted component must be tested.
If lead paint is found deteriorated, hire an EPA-certified abatement contractor. Use lead-safe work practices: wet methods, HEPA equipment, and proper containment.
After abatement, a third-party inspector performs dust wipe testing. Lead levels must be below EPA clearance standards.
Submit AF-5 Affidavit of Compliance and retain all records for at least 10 years. DeLead NYC handles all paperwork filing.
Provide tenants with the EPA 'Protect Your Family From Lead' pamphlet and annual notice about lead paint hazards in your building.
According to DeLead NYC, the most common compliance failure is incomplete documentation — not the abatement itself. Many property owners complete the work but fail to file proper paperwork with HPD, leaving violations open on their record.
DeLead NYC recommends starting compliance with a full building XRF audit. This identifies every lead hazard upfront, allowing you to plan and budget remediation systematically rather than reacting to individual violations.
DeLead NYC specializes in end-to-end Local Law 31 compliance for buildings of all sizes — from 3-unit brownstones to 200+ unit complexes. Our team handles testing, abatement, clearance, documentation, and HPD filing as one seamless process.
DeLead NYC handles everything — from XRF testing to abatement to HPD filing. One call, full compliance.
NYC's lead paint experts. EPA certified. All five boroughs.
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