NYC Lead Paint Inspections: Avoid $10K Fines in 2025

Landlords across New York City are facing a deadline that’s about to reshape how properties are managed. By August 9, 2025, every residential building built before 1960 must undergo a certified lead paint inspection — no exceptions, no delays. Buildings from 1960–1978 must also comply if lead is known or suspected.

The stakes aren’t small. Skip compliance, and fines can reach $10,000 per violation, with added risks of lawsuits, lost rental income, and stalled transactions. According to HPD, thousands of units citywide have already been flagged for inspections — a clear sign enforcement is here, not hypothetical.

This guide explains exactly what NYC landlords need to know about Local Law 31, the common mistakes that trigger violations, the step-by-step inspection process, and why UNYSE’s certified 24-hour turnaround makes it the safest path to compliance.

 

What NYC’s 2025 Lead Paint Inspection Laws Require

Q: What does Local Law 31 require in 2025?
Local Law 31 mandates that all pre-1960 buildings in NYC be inspected for lead-based paint hazards by August 9, 2025.

  • Applies To: All rental and non-rental residential units, including one- and two-family rentals not occupied by the owner.

  • Inspection Standard: Must be conducted by EPA-certified inspectors using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology.

  • Recordkeeping: Landlords must retain inspection and remediation documents for 10 years.

  • Renewals: Once inspected, re-testing is required every 5 years and at each tenant turnover.

  • Children Under 6: Whether or not children live in the building, inspections are mandatory.
     

For landlords used to thinking “no complaint means no problem,” this law flips the script. Compliance is mandatory whether tenants raise issues or not.

Comparison Table: Local Law 31 vs. Federal Standards

Requirement

Local Law 31 (NYC)

EPA/CDC Standard

Deadline

Aug 9, 2025

No citywide deadlines

Inspector Certification

EPA Certified, NYS Accredited

EPA Certified

Testing Method

XRF only

XRF or equivalent

Recordkeeping

10 years

Recommended but less strict

Dust Standards

Stricter NYC thresholds

CDC-aligned

(Source: NYC HPD, PartnerESI)

 

Common Compliance Mistakes That Trigger $10K Fines

Q: What mistakes do NYC landlords make most often?

  1. Hiring uncertified inspectors or using DIY kits, leading to invalid results.

  2. Skipping clearance exams after remediation, which are legally required.

  3. Ignoring turnover inspections between tenants.

  4. Incomplete recordkeeping, leaving landlords defenseless during audits.

  5. Assuming tenant complaints drive compliance — when in fact, inspections are mandatory regardless.
     

Case Example: In recent investigations, NYCHA falsely certified thousands of units without inspections. The fallout included lawsuits, fines, and federal oversight — proof that even the largest landlords can’t ignore Local Law 31. (Rheingold Law)

Q: What are the penalties?

  • Civil fines: $1,500 to $10,000 per violation

  • Abatement orders: Mandatory remediation by HPD/DOB

  • Legal exposure: Tenant lawsuits for unsafe housing

  • Financial blocks: Delayed sales, refinancing, or renovation permits
     

Skipping or delaying inspections costs far more than compliance itself.

 

How to Schedule a Certified Lead Paint Inspection in NYC

Q: How do I book a compliant inspection under Local Law 31?

The process is straightforward — if you choose the right certified provider.

  1. Confirm Eligibility
     

    • Building pre-1960? Automatically required.

    • Built 1960–1978? Required if lead is known or suspected.
       

  2. Hire a Certified Inspector
     

    • Must be EPA TSCA Section 402 certified

    • Accredited by NYS Department of Labor

    • Independent from contractors or building owners
       

  3. Schedule Full XRF Testing

    • Covers all units and common areas

    • Testing usually completed in one day
       

  4. Receive Inspection Report

    • Delivered in 48–72 hours with most firms

    • Identifies hazards above 0.5 mg/cm²
       

  5. Clearance Examination (if needed)

    • Required after remediation to confirm safe dust levels
       

  6. Maintain Records

    • Store all reports and certifications for 10 years
       

Q: How much does it cost?
Expect $200–$400 per unit. Whole-building inspections may use flat rates. Grants and subsidies are sometimes available for landlords housing children under six or low-income families. (The Habitat Group)

Q: Who pays — landlord or tenant?
Always the landlord. Tenant refusal to grant access is not a defense; landlords must seek access through housing court if needed.

 

Why UNYSE Delivers Faster, Safer Results Than Competitors

Here’s where the difference becomes clear. Compliance is about more than just checking a box — it’s about meeting the law’s strict deadlines without risking penalties.

Q: How fast are results delivered?

  • UNYSE: Certified results within 24 hours

  • Industry Average: 3–5 days
     

Comparison Table: UNYSE vs. NYC Competitors

Feature

UNYSE

Typical Competitors

Turnaround Time

24 hours

3–5 days

Certifications

EPA TSCA 402, NYS DOL, ELAP

Varies

Government Projects

HUD, Buffalo city records

Limited

Independence

Testing-only, no contractor conflict

Mixed

Experience

30+ years in NYS

Often <15 years

(Source: UNYSE, Design2147)

Q: Why does speed matter?

  • Avoids last-minute noncompliance fines

  • Keeps tenant turnovers on schedule

  • Accelerates renovations and refinancing approvals
     

Case Study: On a recent HUD project in Buffalo, UNYSE delivered clearance reports in under 24 hours, keeping construction timelines on track and preventing federal penalties. NYC landlords can expect the same compliance security.

 

Local Law 31 isn’t optional. By August 9, 2025, every NYC landlord with pre-1960 housing — and many with 1960–1978 properties — must complete a certified lead paint inspection. The risks of skipping compliance include fines up to $10,000, lawsuits, and blocked projects.

The safe choice is clear: choose a certified partner who delivers results fast enough to keep you compliant.

UNYSE has been protecting New York property owners for more than 30 years, with EPA, HUD, and NYS certifications that meet every standard Local Law 31 demands. And with 24-hour turnaround, you won’t be left waiting when the law’s deadline approaches.

Ready to schedule your inspection?
Call UNYSE today or book your certified lead paint inspection online.