Updated for 2025 | Local Law 31 Compliance Guide

Lead Testing NYC: Complete Guide to Local Law 31

Your comprehensive guide to lead testing requirements in New York City: understanding Local Law 31, testing deadlines, methods, and finding certified inspectors.

Important Deadline

August 9, 2025 is the final deadline for lead testing under Local Law 31 for all qualifying properties.

Introduction to Lead Testing in NYC

Lead testing is the process of identifying the presence of lead-based paint in properties, particularly crucial in New York City due to its older housing stock and strict regulations. Lead exposure, especially in children, can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues, making testing vital for public health.

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) emphasizes the importance of testing to comply with local laws and protect residents. This comprehensive guide will help property owners understand their obligations and the process for lead testing in NYC.

Impact of Lead Prevention Efforts

Recent statistics highlight the effectiveness of lead prevention programs:

From 2017 to 2022, childhood lead poisoning among children with Georgian ancestry in NYC declined by 96%
Citywide lead poisoning rates decreased by 13% according to CDC data
In Williamsburg, from 2014 to 2018, the percentage of children under 6 with blood lead levels ≥ 5 μg/dL dropped from 5.6% to 4.1%

Legal Requirements for Lead Testing in NYC

NYC has stringent regulations, primarily driven by Local Law 31 of 2020, an update to the NYC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (Local Law 1 of 2004). This law mandates X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) lead inspections for residential buildings built before 1960, and those built between 1960-1978 with known lead-based paint, conducted by EPA-certified inspectors.

The threshold for lead detection was lowered to 0.5 mg/cm² effective December 1, 2021, from the previous standard of 1.0 mg/cm². This more stringent threshold applies to all inspections conducted after this date, reflecting an increased focus on protecting public health.

Key Legal Updates

Local Law 31 of 2020: Mandates XRF testing for applicable buildings

Lowered Threshold (Dec 2021): 0.5 mg/cm² (previously 1.0 mg/cm²)

Local Law 111 of 2023: Updated requirements for testing common areas

Who Must Test?

Not all property owners in NYC are required to perform lead testing. The requirements primarily apply to:

Property owners of buildings constructed before 1960
Buildings built between 1960-1978 if lead-based paint is known to be present
Rented or sublet units in condos and co-ops

Note: Owner-occupied units by shareholders or family members are exempt from these requirements.

Deadlines for Testing

Understanding the deadlines for lead testing is crucial for compliance with NYC regulations:

General Deadline

August 9, 2025, as mandated by Local Law 31

Applies to all qualifying properties regardless of occupancy

Units with Children Under 6

Within 1 year of the child's move-in date, or by August 9, 2021, if the child already resides there

A child is considered to reside in a unit if they live there or spend 10+ hours weekly in the unit

Common areas in multi-unit buildings must also be inspected by August 2025, as updated by Local Law 111 of 2023. This includes hallways, stairwells, and other shared spaces that may contain lead-based paint.

What Areas Must Be Tested?

Lead testing requirements apply to specific areas within qualifying properties:

All residential units in buildings with 3+ units
Rental units in 1-2 family homes
Common areas, such as hallways and staircases

Within each unit or area, testing must be conducted on various surfaces including walls, doors, windows, trim, baseboards, and other painted surfaces. The inspector will test a representative sample of each type of component in each room.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with lead testing requirements can result in significant penalties:

Potential Consequences

Classified as a Class "C" hazardous violation
Civil penalties range from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation
Enforced by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
Increased liability if a tenant experiences lead poisoning in an untested building

If testing reveals no lead in your property, you can apply for a Lead-Free Exemption through the HPD Lead Exemption Portal. This exemption allows you to avoid annual notices and inspections, providing long-term relief from ongoing compliance requirements.

How Lead Testing is Performed

Lead testing involves several methods, each with specific applications:

XRF Testing

Uses an X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer for non-destructive surface testing, identifying lead levels on walls, baseboards, and windowsills.

Quick process (under an hour for a 1-bedroom apartment)
Non-destructive testing
Tests through multiple layers of paint
Provides immediate results

Paint Chip Sampling

Involves capturing and quantifying lead levels from paint chips, useful for assessing hazards before renovations or abatement.

Lab analysis required
Destructive testing (removes small samples)
Highly accurate results
Results typically available in 24-48 hours

Testing must be performed by EPA-certified Lead Paint Inspectors or Risk Assessors, independent of the property owner or remediation contractor, ensuring impartiality. During the test, expect the inspector to sample every room, including walls, moldings, and windowsills, with results typically available within days.

What to Expect During Testing

A typical lead inspection process includes:

Initial assessment of the property
Testing of representative surfaces in each room
Documentation of test locations and readings
Compilation of a comprehensive report
Explanation of results and recommended next steps

Interpreting Lead Test Results

Understanding your lead test results is critical for compliance and safety:

Result Measurements

Lead content is measured in milligrams per square centimeter (mg/cm²).

Current Threshold:

0.5 mg/cm²

Any reading at or above this level indicates the presence of lead-based paint.

Required Actions Based on Results

Scenario	Required Action
No lead found	Apply for a Lead-Free Exemption
Peeling paint with child under 6	Correct immediately
Intact paint with child under 6	Monitor or consider abatement
Peeling paint in common areas	Remediate/abate immediately
No child under 6 in unit	No immediate action required; follow turnover requirements

Property owners must maintain records for 10 years, including inspector names, qualifications, and testing reports, and provide them to HPD upon request. Sample affidavits are available on the HPD website.

Costs and Timeline of Lead Testing

Understanding the costs and timeline for lead testing can help property owners plan effectively:

Typical Costs

Costs vary based on property size and complexity, typically ranging from several hundred dollars.

Small apartment (1 bedroom)$300–$500

Medium apartment (2-3 bedrooms)$500–$800

Large apartment or small house$800–$1,200+

Note: These are approximate ranges. Actual costs may vary depending on the service provider, location, and specific requirements.

Timeline

Testing Duration

XRF testing typically takes under an hour for a small apartment, with larger properties requiring more time.

Results Turnaround

XRF results are often available immediately, while laboratory analysis for paint chip samples usually takes 24-48 hours.

Report Delivery

Comprehensive written reports are typically delivered within 1-3 business days after testing is completed.

Cost-Saving Tips

Schedule testing for multiple units at once to potentially secure volume discounts
Compare quotes from several certified inspection companies
Ask about package deals that include both testing and risk assessment
Consider coordinating with other property owners in your building or neighborhood

Finding a Certified Lead Testing Service in NYC

Choosing the right service is crucial for accuracy and compliance:

What to Look For

EPA Certification

Ensure the inspector is certified by the EPA to perform lead inspections. This certification is required by law.

Verify certification

Experience

Look for providers with extensive experience in NYC properties and knowledge of local regulations.

Ask about their history with Local Law compliance and similar buildings.

Technology

Confirm they use up-to-date XRF analyzers and follow proper testing protocols.

Modern equipment ensures accurate results that meet current standards.

Questions to Ask

"Are you certified by the EPA to perform lead inspections?"

Verify they have the proper credentials for NYC lead testing.

"What testing methods do you use?"

Confirm they use XRF analysis, the required method for Local Law 31.

"How long will the inspection take, and when will I receive results?"

Establish timeline expectations for testing and reports.

"Do you provide documentation for HPD compliance?"

Ensure they will provide the necessary documentation for regulatory requirements.

"What should I do to prepare for the inspection?"

Understand any preparation needed to ensure an effective test.

Proper certifications ensure the inspector is trained to perform inspections, risk assessments, and post-abatement clearance, meeting NYC standards. This helps ensure your test results will be accepted by regulatory agencies and provide accurate information about your property.

FAQs About Lead Testing in NYC

Do I need to test if my building is new?

Buildings constructed after 1978 generally don't require testing, as federal regulations banned lead-based paint for residential use after this date. However, it's important to verify if any renovations used older materials. If your building was built between 1960-1978, testing is only required if lead-based paint is known to be present.

What happens if lead is found in my property?

Actions required vary based on the situation: For peeling paint in units with children under 6, immediate correction is required. If lead paint is intact in units with children under 6, you must monitor or consider abatement. For peeling paint in common areas, remediation or abatement must be done immediately. If no children under 6 reside in the unit, no immediate action is needed, but you must follow turnover requirements before new tenants move in.

How often should I test my property for lead?

Initial testing must be completed by August 9, 2025 for pre-1960 buildings per Local Law 31. Additional testing is required if renovations disturb painted surfaces or when a child under 6 moves in (testing must be completed within 1 year of their move-in date). It's also recommended to test when purchasing an older property or before beginning renovations.

Is lead testing required for commercial properties in NYC?

Lead testing requirements primarily apply to residential properties. However, commercial properties may need testing if undergoing renovations that disturb painted surfaces or if the space will be used for childcare or educational purposes. Always check with the NYC Department of Buildings for specific requirements related to your commercial property.

Can I test for lead myself or do I need a professional?

No, you cannot perform official lead testing yourself. NYC regulations require testing to be conducted by EPA-certified Lead Paint Inspectors or Risk Assessors using approved methods like XRF analysis. DIY test kits are not acceptable for regulatory compliance. Professional testing ensures accurate results and proper documentation that will be accepted by NYC housing authorities.

What are the health risks of lead exposure?

Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly in children under 6. Risks include developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and reduced IQ in children. For adults, exposure can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues, and cognitive problems. Even low levels of lead exposure can be harmful, especially during pregnancy and early childhood development.

How can I protect my family from lead exposure?

Protect your family by scheduling professional lead testing, maintaining painted surfaces in good condition, regularly washing hands and toys, cleaning floors and windowsills with wet methods, removing shoes at the door, and ensuring children eat a diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C. During renovations in older buildings, hire EPA-certified contractors who follow lead-safe work practices.

What's the difference between a lead inspection and a risk assessment?

A lead inspection identifies the presence of lead-based paint through XRF testing or paint chip sampling. It tells you where lead is present but not necessarily if it's a hazard. A risk assessment evaluates exposure potential through additional testing like dust wipe sampling and soil testing. It identifies lead hazards and provides recommendations for remediation. Many property owners opt for a combined inspection and risk assessment for comprehensive information.

What are the testing requirements when selling a property in NYC?

When selling a property in NYC built before 1978, you must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards to potential buyers. While a specific inspection is not mandated solely for sales, having a recent lead inspection report can facilitate the process and protect you legally. Buyers have a 10-day opportunity to conduct their own lead inspection before finalizing the purchase. For residential properties, compliance with Local Law 31 will eventually be required regardless of sale status.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with lead testing requirements?

Non-compliance is classified as a Class 'C' hazardous violation in NYC. Civil penalties range from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, enforced by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Additionally, property owners may face increased liability if a tenant experiences lead poisoning in an untested building. HPD conducts both complaint-based and random audits to verify compliance with lead testing regulations.

Protect Your Property and Your Family—Get Tested Today

At Allover Lab, we specialize in comprehensive lead testing services in NYC, ensuring compliance with Local Law 31 and protecting your family. Our EPA-certified professionals use advanced XRF technology for accurate results.

EPA Certified

All our inspectors are EPA certified and highly trained

Fast Results

Quick turnaround time with detailed, easy-to-understand reports

HPD Compliant

All documentation meets NYC HPD requirements

Choose us for certified expertise, clear reports, and peace of mind. Don't delay—book your lead test today to comply with regulations and safeguard your health.

Request a Free Quote

Fill out this form to receive a personalized quote for your property's lead testing needs. Our team will respond within 1 business day with pricing and availability.

Why Choose Allover Lab?

EPA Certified Inspectors

Our team is fully certified and experienced in NYC lead testing

State-of-the-Art Equipment

We use advanced XRF analyzers for accurate, non-destructive testing

Comprehensive Reports

Detailed documentation that meets all HPD requirements

Fast Turnaround

Quick scheduling and prompt delivery of results

Compliance Guidance

Expert advice on meeting Local Law 31 requirements

Contact Information

(917) 725-7070

contact@alloverlab.com

1974 64 St. Brooklyn, NY 11204

Conclusion

Lead testing in NYC is not just a regulatory requirement—it's an essential step in protecting the health and safety of residents, particularly children. With the August 9, 2025 deadline approaching for Local Law 31 compliance, property owners should prioritize testing to avoid penalties and ensure their buildings are safe.

By understanding the requirements, choosing certified professionals, and properly interpreting results, you can effectively navigate the lead testing process. Remember that early testing not only provides peace of mind but also allows more time for any necessary remediation before the compliance deadline.

At Allover Lab, we're committed to making the lead testing process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our EPA-certified inspectors, state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive reports ensure you receive accurate, reliable results that meet all regulatory requirements.

Take Action Today

Don't wait until the deadline approaches. Schedule your lead testing now to ensure compliance and protect your property and its residents. Contact us for a free quote and expert guidance on Local Law 31 requirements.

About Allover Lab

This article was prepared by the environmental testing experts at Allover Lab, a leading provider of lead and asbestos testing services in NYC. Our team of certified professionals is dedicated to helping property owners maintain safe environments and comply with local regulations.

Last updated: March 2025