Lead Paint Safety For Your Building
Lead paint can be dangerous— especially for children. If you own or rent a home built before 1978, you may have lead paint in your walls, windows, or doors. The Center can help you understand the risks and how to keep your home safe.
All lead testing in your home must be completed by August 2025.
What You'll Find on This Page
There are resources from the NYC HPD to help you:
Check for Lead Paint
Learn how to test for lead in your home.
Remove Lead Safely
Find resources for safe repairs and renovations.
Landlord Rules
Understand your legal responsibilities.
If lead-based paint is present or untested, property owners must:
Monitor & Maintain — Check painted surfaces and repair peeling paint if children under six live there.
Follow Safety Rules — Use EPA-certified workers for repairs and follow city and federal regulations.
Fix Vacant Units — Remove lead paint from doors, windows, and other areas when apartments become vacant.
Test by August 9, 2025 — Inspect all painted surfaces to identify lead-based paint.
Keep Records — Maintain records of inspections, repairs, and notices for at least 10 years.
Deadlines and Penalties
All units and common areas must be tested by August 9, 2025.
If testing isn’t completed on time, you may receive a Class "C" violation and face fines up to $1,500.
Visit HPD's fines and penalties page for more information.
Resources & Next Steps
Lead paint basics for building owners
Lead-Based Paint Annual Notice and Recordkeeping: An Owner’s Guide to Compliance in NYC
An Owner's Guide to the Lead-based Paint Exemption Requirements and Application Process
HPD Lead-Based Paint Violations: Understanding the Basics of Lead Violations and How to Clear Them
HPD Lead-Based Paint Violations: Understanding Work and Documentation Dates
Downloads
Lead Paint Hazards in the Home(Peligros de la Pintura con Plomo en el Hogar)
Grants and loans for eligible building owners
Laws and safety rules for landlords
For more resources and documents, visit the NYC Housing Preservation and Development lead paint safety page or dial 311.