Understanding NYC Lead-Based Paint Laws

What Property Owners Need to Know about NYC Local Law 66 and Local Law 31

New York City is combating lead poisoning in residential buildings with two significant lead-based paint laws – Local Law 66 of 2019 and Local Law 31 of 2020. Property owners must comply or face significant penalties, with all required lead-based paint inspections completed this year by August 9, 2025, or within one year if a child under six resides in the unit.

NYC Local Law 66 of 2019

Local Law 66 redefines what constitutes lead-based paint in New York City. Previously, lead-based paint was defined as containing 1.0 milligrams of lead per square centimeter. However, Local Law 66 lowers this threshold to 0.5 milligrams per square centimeter and reflects a growing understanding of the health risks posed by even low levels of lead exposure.

The law mandates that the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) adopt rules to enforce this new definition. As a result, all lead-based paint inspections must now use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer that meets the new standard. This ensures more accurate detection and better protection for residents.

Additionally, Local Law 66 requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to investigate places where children with elevated blood lead levels spend significant time. This includes homes, daycare centers, and other facilities. The goal is to identify and mitigate lead hazards before they can cause harm.

NYC Local Law 31 of 2020

Local Law 31 further strengthens New York City’s lead poisoning prevention efforts by expanding inspection requirements. This law mandates that all residential buildings built before 1960, and those built between 1960 and 1978 with known lead-based paint, undergo certified lead-based paint inspections. These inspections must be conducted by EPA-certified inspectors using XRF analyzers.

One of the key provisions of Local Law 31 is the requirement for periodic inspections. Building owners must have all dwelling units and common areas inspected for lead-based paint within five years of the law’s effective date, which is now coming up on August 9, 2025.

The law also imposes strict record-keeping requirements. Property owners must maintain records of lead-based paint inspections and any remediation work for at least ten years. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant penalties, including fines and hazardous violations.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Property owners need to be aware of several critical responsibilities under these laws:

1. Inspection Requirements: Owners must ensure that all pre-1960 buildings, and those built between 1960 and 1978 with known lead-based paint, are inspected by EPA-certified inspectors using XRF analyzers. Inspections must be completed by August 9, 2025, or within one year if a child under six resides in the unit.
2. Annual Notices: Owners must provide annual notices to tenants about lead-based paint hazards. This includes informing tenants of their rights and the owner’s obligations under the law.
3. Remediation: If lead-based paint is detected, owners must promptly address and remediate the hazard. This includes using lead-safe work practices and ensuring that any abatement work is performed by certified professionals.
4. Record-Keeping: Owners must maintain detailed records of all inspections, notices, and remediation work for at least ten years. These records must be made available to HPD upon request.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant penalties. Owners may face fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, and non-compliance can be classified as a hazardous violation.

The Importance of Compliance

Lead poisoning can cause severe health issues, particularly in young children, leading to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other long-term health problems. By lowering the threshold for lead-based paint and expanding inspection requirements, these laws aim to reduce the risk of lead exposure and create safer living environments.

For property owners, non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal consequences, in addition to putting residents at risk.

How Partner Can Help

Partner offers comprehensive lead paint inspection and risk assessment services that can help property owners comply with New York City’s Local Laws 31 and 66. Partner’s experienced team of EPA Certified Lead-Based Paint Inspectors and EPA Certified Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessors provides XRF testing, lead dust testing, lead in soils testing and assists with lead-based paint remediation, including contractor oversight. By leveraging Partner’s expertise, property owners can ensure compliance with inspection deadlines, maintain proper records, and protect the health and safety of their tenants.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.