What is NYC Local Law 31 of 2020?

Local Law 31 of 2020 requires all NYC rental property owners with buildings constructed before 1960 to have all dwelling units and common areas tested for lead-based paint using XRF technology. The original deadline was August 9, 2025, and buildings that have not yet complied face increasing penalties. Buildings constructed between 1960-1978 are also covered if lead-based paint is known to exist.

What is the deadline for XRF lead testing in NYC?

The Local Law 31 deadline of August 9, 2025 has passed. All pre-1960 rental buildings must now have completed XRF lead testing. Buildings that have not complied face penalties of $1,000 or more per unit.

What are the penalties for not complying with NYC lead laws?

Non-compliance with NYC lead laws can result in Class C violations (immediately hazardous conditions) with civil penalties ranging from $1,000-$5,000 per violation. Failure to complete XRF testing by the deadline can result in penalties up to $1,500. Daily fines of $250 can accumulate for uncorrected violations.

What is the lead-based paint threshold in NYC?

Under Local Law 66 of 2019, effective December 1, 2021, lead-based paint in NYC is defined as paint containing 0.5 milligrams of lead per square centimeter (mg/cm²) or greater. This is stricter than the previous threshold of 1.0 mg/cm².

Lead Testing NYC | Local Law 31 XRF Inspections

Why Rapid Lead Testing?

Since 2022, Rapid Lead Testing has completed over 5,000 XRF lead inspections across all five NYC boroughs. Landlords, property managers, and housing courts trust us for fast, accurate Local Law 31 compliance.

Our team holds EPA-certified Risk Assessor and Inspector credentials, and our firm maintains an active EPA certification — the requirement for HPD-compliant Local Law 31 inspections.

We use the SciAps X-550 Pb XRF analyzer, the industry's fastest handheld lead detector. It delivers definitive positive or negative readings in 2–3 seconds per surface — zero inconclusive results, guaranteed. Our reports are formatted for HPD submission and accepted on first presentation.

Cheapest Prices: We will match or beat any competitor's written estimate.

Fully Certified: EPA Certified Firm, all inspectors licensed.

Rapid Speed: Reports issued within 24 hours of inspection.

Accuracy: Periodic calibration and rigorous quality control.

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NYC Lead Paint Laws & Compliance

NYC lead paint laws have expanded significantly since Local Law 1 of 2004. Local Law 31 of 2020 now requires XRF testing of all painted surfaces in pre-1960 rental buildings — apartments and common areas — by EPA-certified inspectors.

Local Law 66 of 2019 lowered the lead threshold to 0.5 mg/cm², stricter than the federal standard. Non-compliant landlords face $1,500 fees, $250/day fines, and HPD Emergency Repair liens on their property.

The August 2025 testing deadline has passed. Buildings not yet inspected are already accumulating violations and daily penalties.

See Our Comprehensive Lead Laws Guide

Local Law 31 of 2020

Now In Effect

Mandatory XRF Testing for All NYC Rental Units

Local Law 31 of 2020 mandates XRF testing of all painted surfaces in pre-1960 rental buildings with 3+ units — both apartments and common areas. Testing must be performed by an EPA-certified inspector using XRF technology. Results are due to HPD within 10 days, and records must be kept for 10 years.

Buildings past the deadline face $250/day fines and Class C violations. If all surfaces test below 0.5 mg/cm², a lead-free exemption can be filed to end annual inspection requirements.

Applies to buildings built before 1960

EPA-certified inspectors required

Priority testing if child under 6 moves in

Exemptions available for lead-free units

Penalty: Up to $1,500 Class C violation

Records must be kept for 10 years

Local Law 1 of 2004

Foundation Law

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act

The foundational NYC lead law that presumes lead-based paint exists in all multiple dwellings built before 1960.

Annual notices required (Jan 1-15)

Annual inspections for units with children under 6

Turnover requirements for all vacated units

EPA safe work practices mandatory

10-year record retention required

Local Law 66 of 2019

Effective Dec 2021

Stricter Lead Definition - 0.5 mg/cm² Threshold

Lowered the threshold for what constitutes lead-based paint in NYC, making more surfaces subject to regulation.

New threshold: 0.5 mg/cm² (was 1.0)

XRF analyzers must meet new standard

Applies to 1960-1978 buildings if lead is known

More surfaces now qualify as lead-based

Local Law 111 of 2023

Now In Effect

Common Area Testing Expansion

Extends XRF testing requirements to all shared spaces in residential buildings including common areas.

Hallways, stairwells, lobbies covered

Basements and storage areas included

HPD visual inspections as of June 2024

Records provided to HPD on request

Local Laws 122 & 123 of 2023

2024-2027 Deadlines

Enhanced Reporting & Remediation Requirements

Additional requirements for documentation, reporting, and mandatory remediation of friction surfaces.

LL 122: Notice records required (Sept 2024)

XRF records for violations (Deadline Passed)

LL 123: Friction surface remediation (July 2027)

3-year window for new child move-ins

Penalties & Violations

High Risk

Financial Consequences for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with NYC lead laws carries significant financial consequences and can result in property liens.

Class C: $250/day (up to $10,000)

Annual notice failure: $1,000-$5,000

XRF testing failure: Up to $1,500

Record audit failure: $1,000-$5,000

HPD Emergency Repairs become tax liens

Key Deadlines & Dates

Quick Reference

Critical Compliance Calendar for NYC Landlords

Pre-1960 building owners face year-round compliance deadlines. January 1–15: distribute HPD lead hazard notices to all tenants. February 15: tenant response forms due. HPD auditors routinely request these records.

The August 2025 XRF deadline has passed — non-compliant buildings are accumulating $250/day in fines. By July 2027, friction surface remediation (doors, windows, trim) must be completed.

When a child under 6 moves in, testing is required within 90 days. At every turnover, lead hazards must be repaired before re-occupancy. HPD audit violations trigger Emergency Repairs billed as property tax liens.

Jan 1-15: Send annual tenant notices

Feb 15: Tenant notice return deadline

Aug 9, 2025: XRF testing deadline (Passed)

July 2027: Friction surface remediation

At Turnover: All repairs required

10 Years: Record retention period

Don't risk costly violations. Our EPA-certified inspectors help you achieve full compliance with all NYC lead laws.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about lead testing in NYC.

What is XRF testing?

XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) is a non-destructive testing method that measures lead content in paint without removing samples. The device uses x-ray technology to detect lead levels through multiple paint layers instantly. It's the required method for NYC Local Law 31 compliance — fast, accurate, and non-damaging.

Do I need lead testing for my building?

If you own a pre-1960 building in NYC with 3 or more apartments, you need Local Law 31 XRF testing. The EPA also requires certified inspections for homes built before 1978 occupied by pregnant women or children under 6. Landlords must certify annually that no lead hazards exist.

What testing options are available?

We offer two main methods: XRF testing (non-destructive, surface-by-surface analysis required for Local Law 31) and paint chip sampling (lab analysis to quantify lead levels). XRF delivers instant results on-site with no surface damage.

What is dust wipe clearance testing?

Dust wipe clearance testing collects surface dust samples to confirm lead levels are safe after remediation. It's required before HPD will dismiss lead violation notices and before tenants can re-occupy a unit. Our certified professionals ensure your property meets all EPA clearance standards.

How do I handle HPD lead paint violations?

HPD issues violations when lead hazards are detected, requiring remediation within strict timelines. Our team handles the full process — inspection, corrective action, documentation, and filing for violation dismissal. We help landlords avoid daily fines that can reach $250/day.

What is lead abatement?

Lead abatement is the complete removal of lead-based paint hazards from a building. It goes beyond testing — it eliminates the hazard entirely, allowing the property to achieve "Lead Free" status. Government agencies oversee the process to ensure compliance with all safety standards.

How much does lead testing cost?

XRF testing ranges from $249–$399 per apartment depending on size. Dust wipe testing starts at $299 (up to 6 wipes, $20 per additional). Violation clearance starts at $249. We offer bulk discounts for multi-unit buildings. Get a free quote →

What happens if lead is found?

If lead is found, you must notify tenants and remediate the hazard. After remediation, dust wipe clearance testing is required before the area can be re-occupied. We guide you through the full process and provide all documentation needed for HPD compliance.

How long does testing take?

XRF testing takes 15–30 minutes per apartment. Reports are delivered within 24 hours. Same-day service is available for urgent needs. Larger buildings can typically be completed in 1–2 days.

Are you EPA certified?

Yes. Rapid Lead Testing LLC is a fully EPA-certified firm. All our inspectors are certified Risk Assessors who have completed EPA-approved training. We serve all 5 NYC boroughs with same-day availability.

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