Dust from lead paint is the most commonly identified source of childhood lead poisoning. New York City banned lead paint for residential use in 1960, but many older buildings may still have lead paint.
Landlords of buildings with rental units that were built before 1960 (or in some cases, between 1960 and 1978) where young children live or regularly spend 10 or more hours each week, must address lead paint hazards by inspecting their properties for any underlying conditions and safely making repairs.
NYC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (Local Law 1 of 2004)
If you own or manage a building that has rental units and was built before 1960 (or, in some cases, between 1960 and 1978), you must:
Fax reports for the commencement of work and submission of lead dust samples to 347-396-8926.
Annual Notice Requirements for Landlords
Landlords are required to send the annual notice (PDF) to tenants between January 1 and January 15 of each year. You can send the notice by first-class mail or deliver it in person. You can also include it with the January rent bill, but only if the bill is delivered between December 15 and January 16.
If the tenant does not return the form or refuses you access and you cannot get into the apartment to inspect and make any necessary repairs by March 1, you must inform the Health Department by writing to:
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene — Healthy Homes
125 Worth Street, Sixth Floor, CN58
New York, NY 10013
See the Annual Notice Instructions for Landlords (PDF) [Español] and Local Law 1 (PDF) for details about what information you must include in the letter.
Lead Safe Work Methods
Building owners must use safe work practices and trained workers to fix lead paint hazards and when doing general repair work that disturbs lead paint. To follow safe work practices:
For more information on lead safe work methods, call 311 or register for a lead safe work practice class.
Federal Regulations
The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule took effect in 2010. This rule requires professional workers who perform any work that disturbs lead paint to be EPA-certified and follow lead-safe work practices. For more information about the rule, call 732-321-6671. You must also still comply with all NYC local requirements, including Local Law 1 of 2004 and all pertinent Health Code requirements.
Federally Funded Grants for Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes
Owners of residential buildings that were constructed before 1960 can receive federally-funded grants to help pay for the reduction of lead paint hazards and other health risks in their buildings.
The grants are intended to help building owners prevent lead poisoning, especially in children. They cannot be used to address violations issued by the Health Department.
Required Forms and Instructions