Staten Island Lead Paint Rules for Landlords

Housing and Building Standards New York 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of New York

In Staten Island, New York landlords must address lead paint hazards in pre-1978 housing and follow both city enforcement and federal renovation rules. This article explains who enforces lead hazard requirements, the testing and remediation steps landlords should take, how to report unsafe conditions, and where to find official forms and guidance. It is intended for property owners, building managers, and legal representatives who need practical compliance steps and links to municipal and federal resources. Where the official page does not publish a numeric penalty or form, this article notes that explicitly and points to the enforcing office for confirmation.

Lead hazards in rental housing are enforced by city housing and health agencies.

What triggers testing and remediation

Landlords should arrange testing when they know or reasonably should know that lead-based paint may be present, such as in buildings constructed before 1978, after renovation activities that disturb painted surfaces, or when a child under six has an elevated blood lead level. Notifications, inspections, and orders may come from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the Department of Housing Preservation and Development DOHMH lead poisoning information[1] HPD lead-based paint resources[2].

Required steps for landlords

  • Confirm construction date and tenant reports of peeling paint or dust
  • Hire a certified lead inspector or risk assessor when testing is needed
  • Perform remediation only with certified renovators and contractors when paint disturbance exceeds thresholds
  • Document repairs, retain records, and provide required tenant notifications
  • Report inspections, abatement, or complaints to the enforcing agency as directed
Use certified professionals for testing and abatement to avoid enforcement and liability.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by municipal agencies with overlapping authority: the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) handles public health orders and child lead poisoning investigations, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) enforces housing maintenance and lead-related housing violations. Federal rules require EPA RRP compliance for renovation activities in pre-1978 housing EPA RRP rule[3].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for municipal fines; consult agency orders for amounts
  • Escalation: agencies may issue initial orders, then escalate to civil penalties or emergency repairs for continuing violations; specific ranges are not specified on the cited pages
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, repair mandates, court actions, liens, and stop-work or eviction-related directives
  • Enforcers and inspections: DOHMH and HPD inspect and issue orders; complaints can be submitted to HPD via the official complaint page
  • Appeals and review: agency orders typically include appeal instructions and time limits; if a specific time limit is not published on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page
  • Defences and discretion: agencies may consider documented good-faith repairs, certified contractor use, or permits when exercising discretion
If you receive an order, follow the appeal instructions immediately to preserve review rights.

Applications & Forms

Official forms and applications for lead hazard control grants, permits, or inspection requests are published by the enforcing agencies. Specific numeric fees and a single consolidated form may not be listed on the municipal pages; consult the agency pages for current forms and application procedures.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the property was built before 1978 and document painted surfaces
  2. Engage a licensed lead inspector or risk assessor to test suspect surfaces
  3. If remediation is required, hire EPA- or state-certified abatement contractors and obtain any required permits
  4. Retain testing and remediation records and provide required notices to tenants
  5. If ordered by DOHMH or HPD, complete abatement within the timeframe specified and file proof of compliance
Maintain clear records of inspections and repairs for at least the period required by local rules.

FAQ

Who enforces lead paint rules in Staten Island?
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development enforce lead hazard rules and inspections.
When must a landlord test for lead?
Test when the building predates 1978, after renovations that disturb paint, or following a child lead poisoning investigation.
Do contractors need special certification?
Yes. Renovation, repair, and painting that disturb lead paint must comply with EPA RRP rules and require certified renovators and contractors.

Key Takeaways

  • Pre-1978 properties have heightened lead obligations
  • Use certified professionals for testing and abatement
  • Report complaints to HPD and follow DOHMH orders

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Lead poisoning information
  2. [2] NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development - Lead-based paint resources
  3. [3] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule

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