Navigating NYC's Latest Lead Paint Laws: Local Law 31?

Do you own a residential building in New York City built before 1978 (specifically pre-1960 or 1960-1978 with lead paint)? If so, immediate attention to NYC Local Law 31 is critical.

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To avoid penalties from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the NYC Department of Health for lead paint violations outlined in Local Law 31, all building owners, landlords, and property managers across the five boroughs must complete lead paint inspections and abatements on their NYC properties before August 2025.

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What Is Local Law 31?

Although NYC prohibited residential lead paint in 1960 (well before the federal ban), numerous older buildings still harbor this danger. Local Law 31 is the city's decisive step to eradicate remaining lead paint.

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To meet the August 2025 deadline, owners of NYC buildings built before 1960 are mandated to arrange X-Ray Fluorescence lead inspections by EPA Lead-Safe certified professionals (like those at NY Lead Paint Experts). Similarly, owners/managers of buildings built between 1960 and 1978 with known lead paint must schedule inspections and removal.

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Ignoring NYC's new lead paint laws after August 9, 2025, will lead to NYC DOH and HPD lead paint violations, carrying penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation.​

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When Did NYC's Local Law 31 Take Effect?​

Local law 31 is already in effect in NYC. Effective since August 9, 2020, NYC Local Law 31 provided a five-year window for lead paint testing compliance. With the August 9, 2025 deadline just months away, it is critical for non-compliant building owners, landlords, and property managers to contact an EPA-certified expert like Cornerstone Testing Solutions now to avoid violations and fines.

 

Understanding NYC Local Law 31 Requirements​

• Pre-1960 residential buildings: Mandatory lead paint testing and abatement for all rental units and common areas.

• 1960-1978 residential buildings (known lead paint): Required lead paint inspections and removal.

• All inspections and abatements must be performed by EPA-certified professionals.

• Lead paint testing is mandatory in rental units occupied by children under 6, within one year or by August 9, 2025 (whichever is sooner).

• Non-compliance can result in fines up to $5,000 per violation, potentially higher in some cases.

 

Which Buildings Fall Under NYC Local Law 31?

NYC Local Law 31 applies to a wide range of residential buildings, including:

• Single-family homes and rental properties

• Multi-family homes and rental properties

• Condominiums

• Co-op apartments

 

Exemption: Owner-occupied units within NYC residential buildings are exempt. Residents can also apply for an individual apartment exemption via this form.

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Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Local Law 31 Inspection Today​

Time is Running Out. New York City residential building owners, landlords, and property managers still have a shrinking window to hire EPA-certified inspectors for crucial X-Ray Fluorescence lead inspections and abatements. August 9, 2025, is just months away – don't delay.

 

Act Now. Avoid potential violations and fines. Contact the lead experts at NY Lead Paint Experts today to schedule your inspection and ensure compliance with Local Law 31 before it's too late.

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