What Is Local Law 31?
New York City Local Law 31 established X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing requirements to identify lead-based paint in residential buildings subject to the city’s lead laws. Unlike a visual inspection, XRF testing can determine whether lead-based paint is present on individual painted building components.
The law requires applicable dwelling units and common areas to be tested by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified lead inspector or risk assessor. Required testing must be documented, and property owners must retain records to demonstrate compliance.
The general deadline for completing required XRF testing was August 9, 2025. If a child under six moves into an applicable unit that has not already been tested, the required XRF testing must be completed within one year.
XRF Testing
Applicable dwelling units and common areas must undergo XRF testing by an EPA-certified lead inspector or risk assessor, with results properly documented.
Compliance Timing
The general testing deadline was August 9, 2025. Applicable untested units must also be tested within one year after a child under six moves in.
Building Age
Local Law 31 applies to pre-1960 buildings and certain buildings constructed between 1960 and 1978 where lead-based paint is known to be present.
LOCAL LAW 31
Requirements for Building Owners
Property owners subject to Local Law 31 are responsible for completing required X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing and maintaining documentation of the results. Testing must cover applicable dwelling units and common areas and be performed by a qualified professional.
Owners must also retain required records and address lead-based paint hazards in accordance with applicable New York City requirements. These responsibilities continue beyond the inspection itself, making accurate testing and documentation an important part of ongoing lead paint compliance.
YOUR CORE RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
Conduct Required XRF Testing
XRF testing must be completed in applicable dwelling units and common areas to identify and document lead-based paint on painted components.
Use a Certified Inspector
Required XRF testing must be performed by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified lead inspector or certified risk assessor.
Maintain Required Documentation
Owners must retain their buildings XRF inspection records and provide required documentation when requested for compliance review.
Address Identified Lead Hazards
When lead-based paint hazards require correction, owners must follow applicable lead-safe work practices, correction procedures, and documentation requirements.
Who Must Comply with Local Law 31?
Local Law 31 applies to residential properties that are subject to New York City’s lead-based paint requirements. Coverage depends on factors including the age of the building, whether lead-based paint is known to be present, and whether the property falls within the law’s applicable housing requirements.
For covered properties, required X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing extends to applicable dwelling units and common areas. Owners are responsible for ensuring required inspections are completed and maintaining the resulting documentation.
DOES THIS APPLY TO YOUR BUILDING?
Building Type
Applicability
Multiple Dwellings
Applicable multiple dwellings may be subject to Local Law 31 testing requirements for individual dwelling units and common areas.
Condos & Co-ops
Local Law 31 requirements may apply to covered condominium and cooperative properties, with responsibilities depending on the areas and dwelling units subject to the law.
Previously Untested Properties
Properties that did not complete required XRF testing by the general August 9, 2025 deadline should determine what testing and documentation remain outstanding.
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
Local Law 31 requires X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing of painted surfaces in applicable dwelling units and common areas. BEP Environmental provides professional XRF inspections to identify lead-based paint and document results for property owners working to meet New York City requirements.
Our inspectors use non-destructive XRF technology to evaluate painted building components without removing or damaging the surface. Following the inspection, you receive organized documentation showing the testing performed and the results for your property.
OUR XRF INSPECTION PROCESS
XRF Lead Paint Testing
We test painted components throughout applicable dwelling units and common areas using XRF technology to determine where lead-based paint is present.
Building Component Testing
Painted walls, doors, windows, trim, and other applicable components are tested and documented individually as part of the inspection.
Unit & Common Area Coverage
Testing is completed throughout applicable dwelling units and required common areas to provide the property-wide documentation required under Local Law 31.
Inspection Documentation
You receive organized XRF results and inspection records documenting the tested components and findings for required recordkeeping and compliance purposes.
HPD Enforcement & Local Law 31 Compliance
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) may request Local Law 31 inspection records as part of its enforcement and compliance activities. Property owners should maintain required X-ray fluorescence (XRF) inspection documentation and be prepared to provide complete records when requested by the agency.
For properties subject to Local Law 31, completing the required inspection is only part of compliance. Owners must also retain appropriate records and address applicable lead-based paint requirements identified through testing. Keeping complete documentation readily available can help demonstrate that required inspections were performed and support future HPD compliance reviews.
What Happens if Requirements Are Not Met?
If required XRF testing has not been completed or required documentation cannot be produced, property owners may face HPD enforcement and additional compliance requirements.
- HPD violations related to unmet lead-based paint requirements
- Required correction of outstanding lead-based paint conditions
- Civil penalties where applicable
The August 9, 2025 Deadline Has Passed
The deadline for completing required Local Law 31 XRF inspections was August 9, 2025. Property owners who haven’t completed required testing should address outstanding inspection and documentation requirements as soon as possible. Local Law 31 also includes ongoing requirements in certain circumstances, including testing within one year when a child under six resides in an applicable dwelling unit.
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.