What Is Local Law 31?
Local Law 31 of 2020 is a New York City regulation that strengthens how lead-based paint is identified in older residential buildings. It establishes specific testing requirements so owners can confirm whether lead paint is present and properly documented under NYC housing rules.
What the Law Requires
Under Local Law 31, owners of residential buildings constructed before 1960, and certain buildings built between 1960 and 1978 with known lead paint, must complete a full XRF lead paint inspection. Testing must be performed by an EPA-certified inspector using XRF equipment and results must meet HPD documentation standards.
Why It Exists
The law is intended to identify lead paint before it poses a health risk, particularly to children. It expands NYC’s existing lead safety framework, including Local Law 1, by requiring proactive testing rather than relying on complaints or visible deterioration.
LOCAL LAW 31
Requirements for Building Owners
Local Law 31 establishes clear obligations for New York City property owners. The law requires a certified XRF lead paint inspection for applicable residential buildings built before 1960, as well as certain buildings constructed between 1960 and 1978 with known lead paint. This requirement applies regardless of whether a child under six currently lives in the unit, and all inspections must be completed by August 9, 2025 to remain compliant and avoid HPD enforcement.
YOUR CORE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
Conduct a Full XRF Inspection
XRF testing must be performed in each unit and required common areas to properly document painted surfaces.
Use a Certified Inspector
All required XRF testing must be performed by EPA-certified lead inspectors or certified risk assessors.
Maintain Official Documentation
Owners are responsible for maintaining accurate inspection records and making them available to HPD when required.
Provide Results to Tenants
Inspection results must be shared with tenants when disclosure is required under applicable NYC lead laws.
Remediate if Necessary
If lead hazards are identified during testing, owners are required to address those conditions using approved lead-safe work practices in accordance with applicable NYC regulations.
Who Must Comply with Local Law 31?
Local Law 31 applies to many New York City residential buildings, particularly those constructed before 1960. Certain buildings built between 1960 and 1978 may also be subject to the law if lead-based paint is known or presumed to be present. Even if your property was tested in the past, updated XRF testing may still be required unless you qualify for a valid Local Law 31 exemption. This section helps building owners determine whether the law applies to their property.
DOES THIS APPLY TO YOUR BUILDING?
Building Type
Applicability
Prospective Homebuyers
Yes. Pre-1960 rental buildings with three or more units must follow the law.
Co-op & Condo Buildings
Yes. Associations are typically responsible for common areas, and individual units may have additional requirements.
Multifamily Buildings
Yes. Most pre-1960 multifamily properties fall under Local Law 31.
Prospective Homebuyers
Yes. Pre-1960 rental buildings with three or more units must follow the law.
Co-op & Condo Buildings
Yes. Associations are typically responsible for common areas, and individual units may have additional requirements.
Multifamily Buildings
Yes. Most pre-1960 multifamily properties fall under Local Law 31.
Our Local Law 31 XRF Inspection Services
A Local Law 31 inspection provides precise, science-based information you can rely on to meet NYC compliance requirements. Our certified inspectors perform comprehensive Local Law 31 XRF testing using advanced, non-destructive equipment that delivers immediate and accurate readings. We assess painted surfaces throughout your property and produce clear, compliance-ready documentation that meets both federal and NYC HPD standards. From initial testing through final reporting, our process is built around accuracy, professionalism, and clear guidance.
Our Certified Inspection Process
Prospective Homebuyers
We conduct full XRF scanning of painted surfaces, including walls, trim, doors, and windows.
Comprehensive Hazard Assessment
Our inspectors identify lead-based paint and document deteriorated conditions that may require attention.
Dust Wipe Sampling
If conditions warrant additional evaluation, dust wipe sampling may be performed to assess potential exposure risks.
Full Documentation & Reporting
You receive unit-by-unit results, clear hazard mapping, and complete documentation prepared for HPD review.
HPD Enforcement & Deadlines
HPD Enforcement & Deadlines
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development enforces Local Law 31 through audits, record requests, and compliance reviews. Property owners must be prepared to provide certified XRF inspection documentation if requested by HPD. Completing required testing on time helps demonstrate compliance and avoid enforcement issues.
The Stakes of Non-Compliance
HPD Enforcement & Deadlines
If required inspections are not completed or documentation cannot be produced, HPD may take enforcement action, which can include:
- Civil Penalties for failure to comply with inspection requirements
- HPD-Issued Violations that remain open until resolved
- Required Corrective Action, including additional testing or remediation, depending on conditions
The Final Deadline: August 9, 2025
Local Law 31 establishes a firm compliance deadline of August 9, 2025. Properties that have not completed required XRF inspections or cannot produce proper documentation may be subject to HPD enforcement. Owners should confirm their compliance status and address any outstanding requirements as soon as possible.
The Local Law 31 Inspection Process
(STEP-BY-STEP)
Our certified team follows a clear, streamlined process so you know exactly what to expect during your Local Law 31 NYC lead inspection. Each step is designed to minimize disruption, ensure accuracy, and deliver documentation that meets NYC HPD requirements.
On-Site XRF Testing
A certified inspector scans painted surfaces in each dwelling unit and applicable common areas using precise XRF equipment.
Final Report Delivery
You receive a digital report with unit-by-unit results, hazard mapping, and documentation prepared for HPD review.
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Schedule and Plan
We collect your property details and schedule your inspection at a convenient time.
Documentation & Analysis
All readings are recorded and reviewed to confirm where lead-based paint is present and to evaluate inspection findings.
Compliance Guidance
We explain your results and outline next steps so you understand your compliance status and available options.
Service Areas
We offer local law 31 XRF lead paint inspections in NYC services across all boroughs and nearby counties.
Our team provides fast scheduling for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, giving property owners convenient access to reliable testing and clear reporting.
We also assist nearby counties that depend on accurate results for safe decision-making.
Whether you manage a single unit or multiple buildings, our inspectors reach your location quickly and complete each inspection with precision, delivering trusted lead paint inspection NYC when you need it most.
Schedule Your Local Law 31 Inspection
Work with a certified inspection team that delivers accurate XRF testing, clear guidance, and professionally prepared NYC compliance documentation. We help you understand your results and what they mean for your property, without unnecessary confusion or pressure.