Lead Abatement 101

Lead-based paint remains one of the most serious health hazards in older residential buildings, especially those built before 1960. As New York City tightens enforcement under Local Law 1 and Local Law 31, property owners must understand what lead abatement requires, when it's mandatory, and how to stay fully compliant in 2025.

This guide breaks down the essentials—clear, practical, and focused on what owners need to know right now.

What Is Lead Abatement?

Lead abatement is the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards. Unlike temporary repairs or standard paint jobs, abatement must be performed by EPA-certified contractors using specialized techniques.

Abatement may involve:

Removing lead-painted surfaces
Enclosing hazardous areas
Replacing doors, windows, or moldings
Applying long-term encapsulants
Performing full-area remediation

The goal is to create a lead-safe environment that remains hazard-free for decades.

Why Lead Abatement Matters in 2025

Several major factors make 2025 a critical year for owners:

1. The August 9, 2025 Local Law 31 Deadline

All pre-1960 units must have XRF inspections completed by this date. If hazards are found, abatement may be required.

2. Stricter HPD Enforcement

HPD will aggressively issue violations for:

Peeling paint
Missing documentation
Uncertified repair work
Failure to correct hazards immediately in child-occupied homes

3. Increased Liability

Lead poisoning cases continue to trigger lawsuits, especially in buildings with poor maintenance records.

When Is Lead Abatement Required?

Lead abatement becomes mandatory when:

✔ An XRF test shows lead at or above 1.0 mg/cm²

Under NYC law, this is classified as lead-based paint.

✔ HPD issues a lead hazard violation

Owners must correct the issue using certified contractors.

✔ A child under 6 resides in the apartment and peeling paint is found

This becomes an immediately hazardous (Class C) violation.

✔ During renovations disturbing painted surfaces

Lead-safe work practices or abatement may be required.

The Lead Abatement Process: Step-by-Step

1. Certified Lead Inspection (XRF Testing)

Required for most pre-1960 buildings in 2025.

2. Hazard Assessment

Inspectors identify which surfaces require abatement.

3. Tenant Notifications & Preparations

Owners must notify residents about the planned work and safety precautions.

4. Perform Abatement with a Certified Firm

Only EPA-certified lead abatement contractors may do the job.

5. Clearance Examination

A certified inspector performs dust wipe testing to confirm the home is hazard-free.

6. Documentation & Recordkeeping

Store all reports and notices for 10 years, as HPD may request them anytime.

Common Abatement Methods

Encapsulation

Applying a long-lasting, approved coating to seal in lead paint.

Enclosure

Covering hazardous surfaces with new materials (e.g., drywall or paneling).

Component Replacement

Removing and replacing contaminated windows, doors, casings, or trim.

Paint Removal

Using safe, approved methods to strip the lead from a surface.

Costs of Lead Abatement in 2025

Abatement costs vary widely depending on:

Size of the unit
Number of surfaces affected
Method used
Contractor experience

Typical ranges:

$1,500 – $15,000 per unit
Full-building abatement can reach $50,000 – $150,000+, depending on conditions

Investing early often reduces costs and prevents HPD-issued emergency repair charges.

How Property Owners Can Prepare Now

✔ Schedule XRF inspections immediately

Demand will surge as the 2025 deadline nears.

✔ Review past lead records

Missing documentation can trigger violations.

✔ Budget for potential abatement

Even small hazards require certified correction.

✔ Communicate with tenants early

Clear instructions help avoid delays and access issues.

✔ Choose EPA-certified professionals only

Uncertified work leads to automatic violations.

Conclusion

Lead abatement is not just a legal requirement—it’s a long-term investment in safety, compliance, and property value. With NYC’s enforcement becoming stricter than ever in 2025, property owners must take proactive steps to eliminate hazards and protect their buildings from costly penalties.