For Landlords & Property Managers
Stay compliant with NYC lead paint law
Free tools, timelines, and templates to help NYC landlords meet Local Law 1 of 2004 and Local Law 31 of 2020 — plus EPA-certified abatement and clearance to dismiss HPD violations.
Compliance Calendar
Your lead compliance timeline
Key recurring and one-time obligations under NYC lead paint law.
Distribute Annual Lead Notices
January 1 – January 16Each year, landlords of pre-1960 buildings (and 1960–1977 buildings with known lead paint) must distribute HPD's annual lead notice to all tenants and return a signed certification to HPD. The notice asks whether a child under 6 resides in the unit.
Local Law 1 of 2004
Complete XRF Lead Inspections (Local Law 31)
By August 2025Landlords must have completed X-ray fluorescence (XRF) lead inspections in all units where a child under 6 resides, or where a tenant has not responded to the annual notice. Units built 1960–1977 with known lead paint are also covered.
Local Law 31 of 2020
Remediate Friction Surfaces
Upon Tenant TurnoverWhen a unit becomes vacant, landlords must remediate lead paint on friction surfaces — door frames, window frames, and stairway railings — using EPA-certified lead-safe work practices before a new tenant moves in.
Local Law 1 of 2004
Correct HPD Lead Violations
Within 21 Days of a ViolationClass C lead hazard violations must be corrected using certified lead abatement, followed by dust wipe clearance and submission of Form AF-5 to HPD. Failure to correct on time triggers civil penalties and potential HPD emergency repair.
Local Law 1 of 2004
Dust Wipe Clearance & Form AF-5
After AbatementPost-abatement dust wipe samples must be collected and analyzed by an accredited lab. Results below the EPA/HUD clearance thresholds, plus a completed Form AF-5, are submitted to HPD to dismiss the violation.
Local Law 1 of 2004
Got a Violation?
HPD violation response checklist
Follow these steps to correct a lead violation and get it dismissed — correctly the first time.
Read the Notice of Violation (NOV)
Identify the violation ID, apartment, class (C = hazardous), the cited hazard, and the correction deadline. Use our HPD Lookup tool to pull the full record.
Hire an EPA-certified Lead Risk Assessor
A certified risk assessor performs XRF testing and dust wipe sampling to document the scope of the hazard and recommend abatement or interim controls.
Engage an EPA-certified Abatement Contractor
Abatement must be performed by an EPA-certified Lead Abatement Supervisor using containment, HEPA filtration, and lead-safe work practices.
Perform Dust Wipe Clearance
After abatement, independent dust wipe sampling is analyzed by an accredited lab. Clearance levels must meet EPA/HUD thresholds.
Submit Form AF-5 to HPD
File the completed clearance report and Form AF-5 with HPD to dismiss the violation and avoid escalating penalties.
Free Templates
Annual notice & turnover templates
Copy and adapt these templates for your building. Always confirm current HPD requirements before filing.
Annual Lead Paint Notice to Tenants (Template)
Dear Resident, As required by NYC Local Law 1 of 2004, [BUILDING NAME/ADDRESS] is providing this annual notice regarding lead-based paint. Your building was constructed before 1960, which means lead-based paint may be present. We are required to ask: 1. Does a child under age 6 reside in your unit? (Yes / No) 2. Are you aware of any peeling or deteriorated paint in your unit? (Yes / No) Please return this notice to the management office by [DATE]. If you observe peeling paint, please contact us immediately at [PHONE] so we can address it safely. Sincerely, [LANDLORD/MANAGEMENT NAME]
Tenant Turnover Lead Remediation Checklist (Template)
Unit: [UNIT NUMBER] Building: [ADDRESS] Turnover Date: [DATE] [ ] Confirm unit is pre-1960 (or 1960–1977 with known lead paint) [ ] Engage EPA-certified Lead Risk Assessor for XRF inspection [ ] Identify friction surfaces: door frames, window frames, stairway railings [ ] Schedule EPA-certified abatement with containment + HEPA [ ] Perform post-abatement dust wipe clearance (accredited lab) [ ] Retain clearance report and Form AF-5 on file [ ] Re-occupy only after clearance is confirmed
Testing vs. Abatement
Need Lead Testing or Abatement?
Testing identifies whether and where lead is present. Abatement and remediation address identified lead hazards. Understanding the difference helps you take the right next step.
Lead Paint Testing & Inspection
Professional lead paint testing, XRF inspections, dust-wipe sampling and lead-hazard assessment services can help property owners identify where lead is present and determine appropriate next steps.
Learn About Lead Paint Testing & InspectionLead Abatement & Removal
When lead hazards require correction, abatement or remediation may be needed depending on the condition of the property and applicable requirements.
Learn About Lead Abatement & RemovalRelated Resources
NYC lead compliance guides
In-depth articles on NYC lead requirements, XRF inspections, and violation response.
Compliance FAQ
Landlord lead compliance questions
Which buildings are covered by NYC Local Law 1?+
Local Law 1 of 2004 applies to residential buildings built before 1960, and to buildings built between 1960 and 1977 if the landlord knows lead-based paint is present. It covers units where a child under age 6 resides.
What is the difference between Local Law 1 and Local Law 31?+
Local Law 1 of 2004 established the ongoing lead paint obligations (annual notices, turnover remediation, violation correction). Local Law 31 of 2020 added the requirement that landlords complete XRF lead inspections in covered units by August 2025.
What happens if I don't correct an HPD lead violation on time?+
Uncorrected Class C lead violations trigger civil penalties and HPD may perform the work itself at the landlord's expense through the Emergency Repair Program. Continued non-compliance can lead to liens and enforcement action.
Can I remove lead paint myself?+
No. Lead abatement in NYC must be performed by an EPA-certified Lead Abatement Supervisor using containment and HEPA filtration. DIY removal risks creating hazardous lead dust and is not compliant with HPD or EPA rules.
Do you help landlords through the full compliance process?+
Yes. We are EPA-certified for lead risk assessment, abatement supervision, and dust wipe clearance. We handle XRF inspection, abatement, lab analysis, and Form AF-5 submission so your violation is dismissed correctly the first time.
Certified to handle every step
We hold four EPA lead certifications — Risk Assessor, Abatement Supervisor, Renovation, and Lead Activities — so your inspection, abatement, and clearance are all performed under one accountable, certified team.
Need Help With a Lead Issue at Your Property?
Whether you need testing to determine what's present or remediation for an identified lead hazard, Lead Property & Environmental Solutions can help you determine the appropriate next step.