NYC Lead Paint Law Explained: What Local Law 1 of 2004 Requires

Local Law 1 of 2004 is the centerpiece of New York City's lead paint law. It applies to residential buildings constructed before 1960, and to buildings built between 1960 and 1977 if the owner knows lead-based paint is present. The law is enforced by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and is designed to protect children under six from lead dust and deteriorated paint.

The core obligations are ongoing. Each year, landlords must distribute HPD's annual lead notice to tenants asking whether a child under six lives in the unit, and certify that distribution. When a unit turns over, lead paint on friction surfaces — door frames, window frames, and stairway railings — must be remediated using EPA-certified, lead-safe work practices before a new tenant moves in. Professional lead paint testing and XRF inspections document which components require action.

When HPD issues a Class C lead hazard violation, the landlord must correct it using certified abatement, perform dust wipe clearance through an accredited lab, and submit Form AF-5 to HPD to dismiss the violation. Missed deadlines trigger civil penalties and, in serious cases, HPD performs the work itself through the Emergency Repair Program and bills the owner. Our lead abatement and removal services cover the correction step.

Compliance isn't optional and the penalties add up fast. The safest path is a documented, certified process from inspection through clearance — handled by one accountable team. We hold the EPA Risk Assessor, Abatement Supervisor, and Renovation certifications needed to cover every step. For a full walkthrough, visit our NYC Landlord Lead Compliance Hub. We serve property owners throughout New York City.