Local Law 31: Lead Inspection Requirements

Understanding Local Law 31

New York City’s Local Law 31, enacted in 2020, imposes stringent lead inspection requirements on landlords and building owners. Enforced by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), this law is part of the broader effort to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Key Requirements of Local Law 31

• Certified Lead-Based Paint Inspections: Building owners must conduct X-ray fluorescence (XRF) inspections, performed by EPA-certified inspectors, to detect lead-based paint in all residential units and common areas of pre-1960 buildings. This also applies to buildings constructed between 1960 and 1978 if lead-based paint is known or suspected.
• Inspection Timeline:
  • All residential units must be inspected by August 9, 2025.
  • Units housing children under 6 must be inspected within one year of their move-in date.
• Record Keeping: Owners must maintain records of these inspections for 10 years.
• Violation Penalties: Non-compliance results in a Class “C” hazardous violation with penalties ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation.
• Updated Lead Threshold: As of December 1, 2021, the threshold for defining lead-based paint has been lowered from 1.0 mg/cm² to 0.5 mg/cm². Inspections conducted before this date using the old threshold remain valid.
• Common Areas: An amendment in Local Law 111 of 2023 requires XRF lead testing in all common areas by August 2025.

Lead Testing Requirements for Units with Children Under 6

If a child under the age of 6 resides or regularly spends 10 or more hours per week in a dwelling unit, the inspection must occur within one year. This requirement also applies to units where children visit regularly, not just those where they live.

Application to Condos and Co-Ops

The same 5-year or 1-year XRF inspection requirements apply to condo and co-op units that are rented or sublet. Owner-occupied units are exempt.

How UNYSE Can Help

At UNYSE, we specialize in providing comprehensive lead inspection and risk assessment services across New York State. Our team of certified professionals uses advanced methods, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, to efficiently detect lead hazards in residential and commercial properties.

We are dedicated to helping property owners comply with local laws, ensuring a safe environment for all occupants.

Our Services Include:

• Lead Inspection and Risk Assessment: Detailed inspections using XRF technology to detect lead-based paint and other hazards are performed.
• Water Sampling: Samples are collected and analyzed per NYS Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) method, and a report is prepared to meet regulatory requirements.
• Project Monitoring and Clearance Examinations: Available are project monitoring and clearance to certify safe conditions post-remediation.

UNYSE has been a trusted name in environmental consulting since 1994. We are committed to integrity, efficiency, and client satisfaction. We work closely with property owners, facility managers, and contractors to navigate the complexities of lead safety regulations and provide timely, reliable results.