NYC Local Law 31
Understand the requirements. Stay compliant. Protect your property.
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Gaia Environmental Inspections LLC provides certified Local Law 31 lead paint inspection services in New York City. Our licensed inspectors help landlords and property managers stay compliant with HPD’s lead testing requirements.
What is Local Law 31?
Local Law 31 is a New York City rule that requires lead paint inspections in certain residential buildings. Specifically, it applies to buildings built before 1960, and in some cases, buildings built before 1978 may also need inspections if children under six live there.
The goal of the law is simple: protect tenants from the dangers of lead paint while helping property owners stay compliant with city regulations.
If your building is affected, you must hire a certified lead inspector to check all apartments and common areas for lead. Once the inspection is done, you should keep the results on file and submit them to the city if required. Records of all inspections and remediation must be kept for at least 10 years.
All required inspections must be completed by August 2025. Failing to meet this deadline can result in fines and violations.
Who Does Local Law 31 Apply to?
Local Law 31 applies to residential property owners and managers in New York City. Specifically:
1. Buildings built before 1960 are required to have lead paint inspections.
2. Buildings built before 1978 may also need inspections if children under six live in the units.
3. Landlords, co-op boards, and property managers are all responsible for making sure the inspections are completed and the results are properly documented.
Key Rules and Deadlines Related to Local Law 31
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 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.
Missed the Local Law 31 Deadline?
If you haven’t completed your Local Law 31 lead paint inspection yet, it’s important to act immediately. Failing to comply can result in fines, violations, or other city enforcement actions. Here’s what you should do now:
1. Schedule a certified lead inspection right away – Contact an EPA-certified inspector, like Gaia Environmental Inspections LLC, to check all apartments and common areas.
2. Document the inspection results – Keep detailed reports for your records and submit to HPD if required.
3. Take action on any findings – If lead paint is detected, follow the recommended steps to remediate or contain it.
4. Stay compliant going forward – Keep track of future inspection deadlines and maintain records to avoid further penalties.
Even after the deadline, completing your inspection protects your tenants and your property. Acting now is the fastest way to avoid escalating fines or legal issues.
How to Test for Lead
The most common way to test for lead is XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing, which uses a handheld device to detect lead in painted surfaces quickly and without damaging the paint. Paint chip sampling is another method, where small paint samples are carefully collected and sent to a lab for precise analysis. In addition, inspectors may perform dust wipe testing to check for lead dust on floors and window sills, and soil testing around the building to detect lead contamination outside. Using these methods, inspectors provide accurate, reliable results that help property owners ensure their buildings are safe and compliant with NYC and federal lead regulations.
The Lead Inspection Process
During a certified lead inspection, a Gaia Environmental Inspections LLC professional visits your property and tests all painted surfaces and suspect areas using an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) device. The inspector documents any lead hazards and deteriorated paint to create a complete inspection report.
After the inspection, you receive a detailed, certified report outlining the findings. If hazards are found, the report provides clear documentation that can be used by remediation professionals to resolve any problem areas and/or violations. Keeping this report on file helps prove compliance and protect both tenants and property owners from fines. This report must be kept on file for at least 10 years.
Lead Exemptions
Some units may qualify for Lead-Free or Lead-Safe exemptions, which can reduce or eliminate certain inspection requirements, such as the frequency of required inspections.
A unit is considered Lead-Free if no lead-based paint is detected on any tested surfaces, typically in buildings constructed after 1978 or units where all painted surfaces have tested negative with an XRF device or lab analysis.
A unit is Lead-Safe if it contains lead-based paint, but all surfaces are intact, properly maintained, and pose no risk of lead exposure to children under six. A unit can qualify for this exemption after undergoing lead abatement.
After a certified inspection confirms a unit is Lead-Free or Lead-Safe, property owners can apply for the official exemption with NYC HPD.
Get into Compliance Today
If you need more information about Local Law 31 or are ready to get your building compliant, fill out the form below. Gaia Environmental Inspections LLC, your certified lead inspection experts, serves all five boroughs of New York City. We will contact you to schedule your inspection, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps to resolve any violations.
Don’t risk fines or penalties — take action today to protect your tenants and your property.
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