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NYC's New Lead Paint Rules: What Landlords Need to Know (Effective March 17, 2025)

Staff Writer
Mar 132 min read

NYC New Lead paint Rules for 2025 - What Landlords and remediators need to know.

New York City has strengthened its lead-based paint rules to protect children, with changes taking effect on March 17, 2025. Here's a breakdown of what landlords need to know:


Expanded Testing:

  • By August 9, 2025, landlords must test common areas (hallways, lobbies, etc.) for lead-based paint using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing, in addition to testing individual apartments.

  • Peeling or deteriorated lead paint in common areas where a child lives will result in a serious violation.


Record Keeping:

  • When landlords receive a lead hazard violation, they must provide records of annual lead paint notices and investigations from the previous year.

  • Landlords can resolve record-keeping violations by providing either 10 years or 3 years worth of records depending on the situation, and in some cases, paying a fee.


Mandatory Apartment Turnover Work:

  • By July 1, 2027, landlords of pre-1960 buildings must perform specific lead hazard remediation when a child under six resides in an apartment, or within three years of a child under six moving in.

  • This "turnover" work includes:

    • Fixing all lead hazards and underlying defects.

    • Making floors, window sills, and window wells smooth and cleanable.

    • Removing or covering lead paint on friction surfaces of doors and windows, or replacing window components.

  • If a tenant refuses temporary relocation for this work, landlords can apply for an exemption from HPD, with proper documentation.

Targeted Enforcement:

  • HPD will now prioritize building audits based not only on past lead violations but also on areas with high rates of elevated blood lead levels in children, as identified by the Health Department.

  • Turnover violations will also trigger Audits.


Key Takeaways:

  • These new rules aim to proactively prevent lead poisoning in children.

  • Landlords must expand their lead paint testing and remediation efforts.

  • Accurate and thorough record-keeping is crucial.

  • HPD will be using more data to target areas with the greatest risk.


This information is intended to provide a simplified overview. Landlords should consult the official HPD rules below for complete details.


Access the official HPD adopted rules here:


 
 
 

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