Certified Lead Paint Inspection in New York City
What This Inspection Covers
Our EPA-certified lead inspectors and risk assessors perform comprehensive lead-based paint (LBP) surveys per federal (10 NYCRR Part 67, 40 CFR Part 745) and NYC-specific requirements (Local Law 1 of 2004, Local Law 31 of 2020). Testing methods include XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis, paint chip sampling, and surface wipe sampling for lead dust where indicated. Results are reported per the HUD definition: paint with ≥1.0 mg/cm² or ≥0.5% by weight is lead-based paint.
Who Needs This & When
A professional lead paint inspection is required or recommended when: you own a pre-1960 residential building with children under 6 (NYC Local Law 1 compliance); you are subject to NYC Local Law 31 (mandatory XRF testing of all pre-1960 residential buildings by 2025, extended 2030 for larger buildings); you are purchasing a pre-1978 residential property (EPA RRP disclosure requirement); you are a landlord receiving an HPD lead paint violation; your property is in the NYS Lead Rental Registry ZIP codes (Westchester County: 10550, 10801, 10701, 10705); or you are completing a renovation in a pre-1978 residence with children.
Inspector Credentials
All lead inspectors hold the EPA Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor certification (40 CFR Part 745). XRF instruments are licensed per NYS Department of Health radioactive material regulations. NYC Local Law 31 and Local Law 1 compliance work is performed per NYC DOHMH guidelines.
What You Get
Written lead inspection report within 48 hours. Includes: component-by-component XRF or chip test results, identification of all lead-based paint surfaces (≥1.0 mg/cm² per HUD definition), risk assessment findings if ordered (deteriorated lead paint, dust and soil samples), recommendations for compliance with Local Law 1/31, and documentation suitable for HPD violation clearance. Results are suitable for submission to NYC DOHMH and NYS DOH.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NYC Local Law 31 for lead paint?
NYC Local Law 31 of 2020 requires owners of pre-1960 multiple dwellings (3+ units) to conduct XRF or paint chip testing of all painted surfaces in all units by specific deadlines. Buildings with 1–9 units had a deadline of August 9, 2025; 10+ units have until 2030. Test results must be filed with the NYC DOHMH. Buildings that test positive for lead must implement an approved lead paint hazard control plan.
What is the legal definition of lead-based paint?
Under HUD guidelines and EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 745), lead-based paint is paint containing ≥1.0 mg/cm² as measured by XRF, or ≥0.5% by weight as measured by paint chip laboratory analysis. NYC DOHMH uses the same definition. Paint below these thresholds is not classified as lead-based paint — this matters because older buildings often have paint below the threshold even if they predate the 1978 lead paint ban.
Do landlords in NYC need to test for lead paint?
Yes. Under NYC Local Law 1 of 2004 (Administrative Code §27-2056), owners of pre-1960 multiple dwellings must annually investigate and remediate lead paint hazards in units where a child under 6 lives, and certify compliance with NYC DOHMH. Under Local Law 31 of 2020, testing of all painted surfaces in pre-1960 multiple dwellings is mandatory regardless of whether a child is present. Owners who fail to comply face HPD violations and fines.
What is an XRF lead paint test?
XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is the standard non-destructive method for testing painted surfaces for lead. The instrument beams X-rays at a painted surface and measures the lead concentration in mg/cm². Results are immediate, non-destructive (no paint chip removal required), and accepted by NYC DOHMH and HUD. XRF is the required method under NYC Local Law 31. Our inspectors are licensed to operate XRF instruments under NYS DOH radioactive materials regulations.