OVERVIEW OF BUILDING OWNER'S REQUIREMENTS

With a series of local laws, New York City is in the process of requiring  building owners to make all rental units either “LEAD SAFE” or “LEAD FREE"

Below is a basic explanation of the process and owner requirements to be compliant in order to avoid fines and penalties

ALL rental units in buildings constructed pre-1960 are required to have lead based paint testing performed by an EPA certified company using X-Ray Fluorescence equipment / XRF
BY AUGUST 9, 2025

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Course of Action if Lead Based Paint IS NOT PRESENT
If the building unit and common spaces test negative for the presence of lead  you can apply for a lead free exemption

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Course of Action if Lead Based Paint IS PRESENT
WITH A CHILD UNDER 6 residing in the unit  

If the positively tested paint is DETERIORATED

The deteriorated paint must be repaired IMMEDIATELY by an EPA lead certified contractor. Repairs must be done following federal and city regulations, including    hiring certified firms/workers who follow prescribed safe work practices. The property owner must abate/remove the lead-based paint on door and window friction surfaces, and remediate lead paint hazards, including making all floors smooth and cleanable by JULY 2027

If the positively tested paint is INTACT

The unit will require annual monitoring  by the owner or owner's representative. And the  property owner must abate/remove the lead-based paint on door and window friction surfaces, and remediate lead paint hazards, including making all floor smooth and cleanable by JULY 2027

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Course of Action if Lead Based Paint IS PRESENT 
WITHOUT  A CHILD UNDER 6 residing in the unit

NO  IMMEDIATE ACTION  IS REQUIRED 
But at TURNOVER the  property owner must abate/ remove the lead-based paint on door and window friction surfaces, and remediate lead paint hazards through encapsulation or containment,  including making all floors smooth and cleanable

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Course of Action if a CHILD UNDER 6 Comes to Reside in a unit where Lead Based Paint IS PRESENT 

If the positively tested paint IS DETERIORATED
The deteriorated paint must be repaired immediately by an EPA lead certified contractor. Repairs must be done following federal and city regulations, including hiring certified firms/workers who follow prescribed safe work practices. And the property owner must abate/remove  the lead-based paint on door and window friction surfaces, and remediate lead paint hazards, including making all floors smooth and cleanable, within 3 YEARS of the date that the child comes to reside there.