If you own a building in New York City—especially one built before 1960—you have a big responsibility when it comes to lead-based paint compliance. In 2025, Local Law 31 makes that responsibility even clearer.
Here’s the deal: lead poisoning in children is serious. NYC has been stepping up enforcement, and this year the city is imposing tough deadlines. By August 9, 2025, all apartments and common areas must undergo lead paint testing.
Don’t stress, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lead inspection in NYC in this blog.
What Is Local Law 31?
Local Law 31 (enacted in 2020) requires the use of XRF technology for lead inspections in NYC rental buildings:
Pre-1960 buildings – mandatory inspections
1960–1978 buildings – required if lead-based paint is present or suspected
Key deadline: August 9, 2025
Failure to comply can result in:
Class “C” violations
Up to $1,500 per violation in civil penalties
Mandatory abatement orders by HPD
Key Requirements
Full XRF lead testing in all dwelling units by August 2025
Immediate compliance for buildings with children under 6
Must be done by EPA-approved firms
Local Law 31 is all about detecting hazards before they become a health threat.
Who Needs to Take Action?
If you own or manage a building built before 1960 (or 1960–1978 with lead), you must act now:
Landlords
Property managers
Schools & daycare facilities
Developers & rehab contractors
Housing agencies & authorities
The closer we get to August 2025, the harder it will be to book inspections.
2025 Deadlines to Know
August 2025 – All XRF inspections for pre-1960 buildings must be completed.
Ongoing – Annual notice and monitoring rules under Local Law 33 apply.
Immediately – Lead inspection is required for any residence with children under 6.
Other Local Laws You Should Know
Local Law 122 (2023)
Requires annual notice and investigation records
Adds stricter requirements for violation dismissals
Local Law 111 (2023)
Requires common area XRF testing by August 2025
HPD inspections must include paint condition checks in common areas
Local Law 127 (2023)
Adds turnover compliance violations as audit triggers
How to Get Your Building Tested
You cannot use store-bought lead test kits. NYC requires XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing by an EPA-certified inspector.
Step-by-Step Process:
Find a certified contractor
Visit EPA.gov and search “lead certified contractors.”
Inspect all units & common areas
Every room, hallway, stairwell, and surface must be scanned.
Get official documentation
Results above 0.5 mg/cm² are considered positive.
Store records for 10 years
HPD can request them at any time.
Recordkeeping
Keep all testing, remediation, and monitoring records for 10 years.
Failure to produce records = violation, even if the work was done.
Starting August 2025, HPD can request your records immediately during inspections.
Why XRF Inspections Are Mandatory
XRF benefits:
Fast – Full-unit testing in under an hour
Non-destructive – No paint removal needed
Accurate & compliant – Meets EPA, HUD, and NYC standards
Manhattan Lead uses state-of-the-art XRF technology to scan walls, windows, doors, trim, and more.
What If Lead Is Found?
If a child under 6 lives in the unit:
Peeling paint – Immediate remediation required
Intact paint – Monitor and maintain
If no child under 6:
No immediate abatement required unless a child moves in.
Deadlines:
If child present on Jan 1, 2025 → remediation by July 2027
If child moves in later → 3 years from move-in date
Penalties for Non-Compliance
$10,000 fine per unit
License revocations
Tenant lawsuits / rent withholdings
Property value loss
Increased city inspections
If Your Building Tests Negative
Apply for a lead exemption through HPD
Keep all testing records
Exempt buildings avoid many annual monitoring requirements
Compliance Checklist
- Hire an EPA-certified XRF inspector
- Test all painted surfaces in units and common areas
- Keep results for 10 years
- Monitor lead-painted units with children under 6
- Apply for exemption if all results are negative
- Follow annual notice & turnover rules
Why Choose Manhattan Lead
We offer:
EPA-licensed inspectors
Fully compliant XRF tests
Clear documentation for LL31 & LL33
Follow-up monitoring & clearance testing
Deadline reminders & compliance support
Enforcement Made Easy:
Schedule your XRF inspection
Get full, room-by-room testing
Receive electronic compliance reports
We handle reminders & deadlines for you
Final Word: The 2025 Deadline Is Near
The August 9, 2025 deadline is final—no extensions. If you own or manage pre-1960 property, schedule your inspection now to avoid penalties.
Manhattan Lead ensures your property is safe, compliant, and ready for the future.
FAQS
Q: Can I do a visual inspection instead of XRF?
No—visual inspections are not compliant. NYC requires XRF testing.
Q: Which buildings must comply?
All built before 1960, or 1960–1978 with lead paint.
Q: I already remediated—do I still need to test?
Yes—testing and recordkeeping are still required.
Q: Can I test it myself?
No—only EPA-certified inspectors can perform compliant testing.
