EPA/HPD Resources
NYC Lead Compliance Fact Sheet (2026 version)
The 0.5 mg/cm² Standard: What Every NYC Landlord Needs to Know
As of August 9, 2025, the grace period for Local Law 31 and Local Law 111 has officially ended. New York City has shifted from reactive maintenance to mandatory proactive testing. Enforcement is now in full effect, and HPD audits are increasingly focused on the technical accuracy of your records.
1. The Shift to 0.5 mg/cm²
For decades, the standard for lead-based paint was 1.0 mg/cm². NYC has lowered this threshold to .5 mg/cm².
The Impact: Paint that was legally "Negative" five years ago may now be a "Positive" hazardous condition.
The Law: Any lead-free exemptions granted under the old 1.0 standard are revoked upon tenant turnover. You must re-test using the new standard to maintain your exemption status.
2. The "Inconclusive" Trap
Many older XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) analyzers cannot definitively read the 0.5 level. Per the Performance Characteristic Sheet (PCS), these machines often return an "Inconclusive" result for readings at the threshold.
The Consequence: An inconclusive result is legally treated as a Presumed Positive. * The Cost: To fight an inconclusive result, landlords are often forced to pay for laboratory paint chip sampling, which is destructive, slow, and expensive.
The Solution: At The Bronx Lead, we utilize next-generation technology designed to eliminate the inconclusive range, providing definitive results on-site.
3. Critical 2026 Deadlines
Annual Notice (January 1–15): You must have delivered the "Annual Notice" to all tenants.
The Feb 15 Deadline: Tenants must return the notice by February 15th. If they do not, you are legally required to perform a "Non-Response" inspection of the unit to determine if a child under 6 resides there.
Friction Surface Abatement (July 2027): If a child under 6 resided in a unit with lead-based paint as of January 1, 2025, you have until July 2027 to abate lead on all "friction surfaces" (windows and doors).
4. Requirements Upon Turnover
When an apartment becomes vacant, your "Duty to Inspect" is triggered regardless of whether a child will be moving in. You must:
Remediate all lead-based paint hazards.
Address all friction surfaces (doors/windows).
Ensure all floors and windowsills are "smooth and cleanable."
Pro Tip: This is the best time to conduct a full XRF inspection to secure a "Lead-Free" exemption, potentially removing the unit from Local Law 1 requirements forever.
5. Record Keeping: The 10-Year Rule
HPD can request your lead records at any time. You must maintain:
Notarized XRF Inspection Reports.
Annual Notices and documentation of "Non-Response" attempts.
Records of any lead-safe work or remediation performed.
Facing an HPD Inspection or Violation?
Don't rely on guesswork or outdated equipment. Contact The Bronx Lead for a consultation. We provide the notarized, high-fidelity data you need to satisfy the city and protect your property.