What is Lead?

Lead is a soft metal naturally occurring in the Earth’s crust. It has been determined, however, that lead has no useful purpose in the human body and acts as a toxin. It takes the place of essential minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and iron, which are vital to the construction and repair of bones, organs, and blood. Lead exposures are a major health concern, especially in young children under the age of six.

Children, due to their smaller body mass and higher metabolism, are affected by lead exposure much more severely than adults. They ingest lead through daily hand-to-mouth activities and may develop severe attention deficit disorders, irreversible brain injury, learning disabilities, and aggressive behaviors. The symptoms of lead poisoning often mimic other afflictions such as flu, colic, or general malaise.

Sources of Lead Poisoning

Since lead is ingested by routine daily activities such as eating, playing, and working, it is important to understand the sources of lead exposure. The most common places to find lead in household settings are interior and exterior paint, as well as contaminated dust and soil. Lead-based paint is most hazardous when it is chipping, peeling, cracking, or chalking; or applied to friction surfaces of components such as doors, windows, and floors. The abrasive action of painted surfaces rubbing together causes lead-containing paints to be ground into fine dust.

When You Might Need a Lead Paint Inspection?

Lead paint inspections are important whenever there’s a possibility that lead-based paint or materials are present, especially in older properties. You might need an inspection if:

Your home or building was built before 1978, when lead-based paint was commonly used.
You are renovating or remodeling, particularly in areas with old paint, windows, doors, or trim.
You are buying or selling a property and want to ensure it’s safe and compliant.
You notice peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint on walls, windows, or doors.
You need to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal lead safety regulations.
You want peace of mind that your space is safe for children, tenants, or employees.

Professional lead inspections provide accurate assessments and recommendations, helping you prevent exposure and maintain a healthy environment.

NYC Local Law 31 of 2020

NYC Local Law 31 of 2020 requires owners of residential buildings, including multi-family homes, built before 1960 (or between 1960 and 1978 if lead-based paint is known to exist) to conduct lead-based paint inspections by an EPA-certified inspector or risk assessor. These inspections must be completed within one year of a child under six residing in the unit or by August 9, 2025, for all applicable units that have not been previously tested. Property owners who fail to comply with inspection requirements may face fines of up to $1000-$5000 per day per violation, with additional penalties for non-compliance.

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Additional NYC Lead Laws

Local Law 1 of 2004, the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, is one of New York City’s most important lead safety laws. It requires landlords of buildings built before 1960 (and some built between 1960–1978) to take proactive steps to prevent lead poisoning in children under 6. Owners must inspect apartments every year for peeling paint and other lead hazards, safely repair any issues, and fully remediate lead hazards whenever an apartment turns over to a new tenant. The law also requires the use of approved lead-safe work practices to keep families, especially young children, safe from exposure.

Local Law 66 redefined what qualifies as lead-based paint in New York City. The standard was lowered from 1.0 mg/cm² to 0.5 mg/cm², meaning more surfaces are now considered lead paint. This change strengthens protections for families by ensuring that even lower levels of lead are identified and addressed during inspections and repairs.

Local Law 111 expands testing requirements to include not only apartments but also common areas like hallways, stairwells, and lobbies in older buildings. By August 2025, landlords must ensure these spaces are tested with XRF technology by a certified inspector, helping protect all residents and visitors from potential exposure.

Local Law 122 increases accountability for building owners by strengthening recordkeeping rules. If a violation is issued, landlords must maintain investigation records and provide proof that hazards were addressed. This law ensures transparency and helps tenants feel confident that their homes are being properly maintained.

Local Law 123 provides extra protections for children under 6. In any apartment where a young child lives, landlords must remove lead paint from friction surfaces like doors and windows and make floors smooth and cleanable. Depending on when a child resides in the unit, owners have strict deadlines—up to July 2027 or within three years of move-in—to complete the work.