Mold Prevention

Managing lead compliance for one property is stressful enough. But what about when you’re juggling turnover requirements across eight units in three different buildings, all with different inspection dates and tenant move-in schedules? This is the reality for property managers and landlords throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. One missed HPD requirement can trigger violations across your entire portfolio.

That’s where Dry Ease comes in. We help NYC property owners and commercial building managers get lead abatement done fast and compliant, without the usual runaround. We’ve been dealing with Local Law 1 requirements for years, and we get it – you need your units rented, not sitting empty waiting for clearance.

Before we get into the requirements, let’s start with the basics.

What Is Lead Abatement?

Lead abatement is the permanent removal or covering of lead-based paint hazards in a property. It’s not just scraping off some old paint. It’s a regulated process handled by licensed contractors who follow strict EPA and NYC guidelines. When done right, abatement makes your property safe for tenants and keeps you compliant with Local Law 1.

Property owners often ask us about the difference between testing, remediation, and full abatement. Lead testing tells you if lead is present. Remediation fixes specific problem areas temporarily. Abatement removes or permanently seals lead paint so it can’t create hazards down the road. For NYC landlords, Local Law 1 requires actual paint abatement work on friction surfaces like doors and windows every time a tenant moves out.

Why does this matter so much? Lead exposure causes serious health problems, especially in kids under six. Their developing brains are vulnerable to even small amounts of lead dust from old paint on door frames or window sills. NYC doesn’t mess around with these requirements. The stakes are high, and as a property owner, you’re responsible for making sure every unit is safe before a new tenant moves in.

New York City Local Law 1: What Property Owners Must Know

Local Law 1 applies to residential and commercial properties built before 1960. If you own rental units in NYC, this law affects you every single time a tenant moves out – whether a child lives there or not. You can’t just hand the keys to your next tenant without completing specific lead abatement work first.

The law requires you to remove lead paint from all door and window friction surfaces during turnover. You also have to fix any lead hazards, handle chewable surfaces with teeth marks, and make sure floors and window areas are smooth and cleanable. Skip any of these steps and you’re looking at violations, fines up to $1,500 per violation, and potential lawsuits if a child gets exposed.

HPD doesn’t play around with enforcement. Miss an audit request for your compliance records? That’s another violation with penalties up to $5,000. For landlords managing multiple units across Park Slope, Astoria, or the Upper West Side, these penalties add up fast. The smarter move is getting the work done right the first time with certified contractors who know exactly what HPD inspectors look for.

Critical 2025 Deadline: By August 9, 2025, you must have XRF testing completed on all units and common areas in pre-1960 buildings. Failure to meet this deadline results in Class C violations with fines up to $1,500. If you haven’t started this process yet, now’s the time.

HPD Lead Paint Requirements Upon Turnover of an Apartment

HPD spells out exactly what you need to do at turnover. Here’s what the regulations require:

When a dwelling unit changes tenants, owners are required under Local Law 1 to complete certain lead-based paint activities focused on making the unit safe for a new tenant and before the new tenant takes occupancy (regardless of whether the new tenant has a child at the time of initial occupancy). This is referred to as “turnover.”

• Provide for the removal of all lead paint on friction surfaces on all doors and door frames
• Remediate all lead paint hazards and any such underlying defects
• Provide for the removal of lead paint on chewable surfaces with evidence of teeth marks
• Provide for the removal of all lead paint on friction surfaces on all windows
• Make all bare floors, window sills, and window wells in the dwelling unit smooth and cleanable

Turnover Violations

During an inspection where a child under 6 resides, HPD will also issue violations for a property owner’s failure to conduct turnover work if there are lead paint hazard violations issued for door and window friction surfaces. These violations require owners to comply with turnover requirements, which would have required abatement of these surfaces, and certify correction.

The owner must provide evidence that all window and door friction surfaces are free of lead paint.

Audit Violations

HPD also issues violations if a property owner fails to provide records requested during audits. These violations may be order numbers 614, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622 or 623. If you receive one of these violations, you can only comply by providing the required documents enumerated in the specific violation received.

Our Lead Abatement Process: What to Expect

When you work with Dry Ease for lead abatement new york city properties, we handle the complicated stuff so you can focus on keeping your buildings rented. The process works like this:

1. Initial Inspection and Testing: We come to your property and inspect all areas Local Law 1 requires us to check, including door frames, window frames, and other friction surfaces. We conduct a thorough lead test and identify exactly what needs to be removed or remediated to meet HPD requirements.
2. The Abatement Work: Our certified contractors remove lead paint from all required surfaces using strict containment procedures to prevent dust from spreading throughout your property. All work meets EPA and NYC safety standards.
3. Clearance Testing and Certification: After the abatement work is complete, we conduct clearance testing to verify that lead levels are safe. Once your property passes, you get the official certification and documentation needed to prove compliance.
4. Documentation for Your Records: We provide all the paperwork HPD might request during an audit – test results, clearance certificates, and proof that certified contractors completed the work. Keep these records because HPD can request them at any time.

Why Property Owners Choose Dry Ease for Lead Abatement

Landlords and building managers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island work with Dry Ease because we understand what’s at stake. You’re not just looking for someone to remove paint. You need certified lead abatement contractors who work fast, document everything correctly, and help you avoid violations that cost money and create headaches.

What makes us different:

• NYC Regulatory Expertise: We know Local Law 1 inside and out. Our team stays current on HPD regulations and NYC lead requirements so your properties stay compliant with the latest rules, including the 2025 XRF testing deadline.
• Licensed and Certified Contractors: We’re fully licensed to handle lead abatement work in New York City. That means specialized training, professional equipment, and work that meets every EPA and NYC standard.
• Fast Turnaround: We know every day your unit sits vacant is lost rental income. We work efficiently to get your clearance certification so you can get your next tenant moved in quickly.
• Complete Documentation: You get all the paperwork needed for HPD audits – test results, clearance certificates, contractor licenses. Everything organized and ready if inspectors come calling.
• Portfolio-Wide Service: Managing several buildings across different neighborhoods? We can coordinate abatement work across your entire portfolio, handling multiple units on schedules that work for your turnover timelines.

Get Your Lead Abatement Done Right

You’ve got enough to worry about as a property owner without stressing over HPD violations and compliance paperwork. Whether you’re preparing one unit for turnover in Williamsburg or managing abatement services across multiple properties in different boroughs, Dry Ease handles the work so you can focus on keeping your buildings rented and profitable. As mold removal experts, we understand how building issues compound, and we’re here to help you tackle lead compliance alongside any other property concerns.

Call us at 877.215.8399 to schedule your lead inspection or get a quote for your upcoming turnover work. We serve property owners throughout New York City and we’re here to help you stay compliant with Local Law 1. Let’s get your units cleared, certified, and ready for your next tenants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between lead remediation and lead abatement?

Remediation is a temporary fix while abatement permanently removes or seals lead paint. Local Law 1 turnover requirements specifically call for abatement work on friction surfaces, not just remediation.

How effective is professional lead abatement?

Professional abatement performed by licensed contractors following EPA guidelines can reduce lead hazards by 95% or more. DIY attempts often spread lead dust and create bigger problems, which is why NYC requires licensed professionals.

What are the different methods used for lead abatement?

The five main methods include removal (stripping away lead paint), enclosure (covering with barriers like drywall), encapsulation (sealing with special coatings), replacement (removing and replacing components), and on-site treatment. Your contractor chooses the method based on the location and condition of the lead paint.

How do I prepare my property for lead abatement work?

Coordinate tenant move-out and empty the unit of furniture and belongings. Notify adjacent tenants about the work schedule and make sure contractors have clear access to all doors, windows, and areas needing abatement.

What’s involved in a lead abatement strategy for multiple properties?

Plan turnover work across your portfolio to stay compliant while minimizing vacancy costs. This means scheduling inspections ahead of lease expirations, keeping documentation organized for all properties, and working with contractors who can handle multiple units efficiently.