Local Law 31: The XRF Lead Inspection Deadline NYC Landlords Must Meet

Local Law 31 of 2020 added a critical layer to NYC's lead paint rules: a requirement that landlords complete X-ray fluorescence (XRF) lead inspections in all covered units where a child under six resides, or where the tenant did not respond to the annual lead notice. Inspections must be performed by an EPA-certified Lead Risk Assessor.

XRF testing is non-destructive — a handheld analyzer reads the lead content in painted surfaces in seconds without cutting into walls. A certified risk assessor documents each tested surface (door frames, window frames, stairway railings, and walls) and produces a written report identifying lead hazards and recommending abatement or interim controls. Learn more about how it works in our XRF lead testing overview.

The August 2025 deadline put many landlords in a difficult position: inspect, document, and remediate — or face violations. Even after the deadline passes, the obligation is ongoing. New tenants, turnover, and child-occupied units all trigger new inspection requirements. Buildings built 1960–1977 with known lead paint are also covered.

If you're a landlord who hasn't completed XRF inspections, the right move is to schedule them now — before HPD does. A documented lead paint inspection report is also your strongest defense if a violation is ever disputed. We serve property owners throughout New York City; see our NYC Landlord Lead Compliance Hub for the complete compliance process.