Helpful guide · Last reviewed October 23, 2026
Who Can Do Lead-Paint Work in NYC?
Safe work practices, certifications, and independent testing: what HPD says about who may perform lead-paint work in older NYC buildings, and what to ask before hiring a firm.
General information, not legal advice. NYC lead-paint rules are detailed and change over time. Requirements for your building depend on its age, occupancy, test results, and any specific violation. Always confirm current requirements with the official sources linked in this guide, and consult a qualified attorney for legal questions.
When safe work practices apply
According to HPD, safe work practice requirements extend to buildings built before January 1, 1978, and apply when repair or renovation will disturb 2 square feet or more of paint in a single room, disturb 10% or more of a small component’s surface, or remove windows. For exterior work, EPA requirements are triggered at 20 square feet or more. These rules apply whether or not children live in the building.
Which certification is needed
- Routine repairs and renovation (no violation or order): an EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certified firm using EPA-certified renovators.
- Work to correct violations or City orders: an EPA lead-based paint abatement certified firm employing EPA-certified lead abatement workers and supervisors.
- Larger jobs in child-occupied units: where a child under six spends 10+ hours a week and the work disturbs more than 100 square feet in a room or removes two or more painted windows, HPD says the contractor must be certified in both abatement and renovation.
HPD notes that owners generally can’t do this work themselves unless they hold the required certifications.
Independent testing
XRF paint inspections and dust clearance sampling must be performed by EPA-certified professionals who are independent of the owner and of the firm doing the remediation or abatement. Surfaces must be clear of lead-contaminated dust before tenants reoccupy the work area.
Questions to ask before hiring a firm
- What is your company’s legal name, and can I see your current EPA firm certification?
- Will the workers and supervisors on my job hold the required EPA certifications?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
- What exactly is included in the scope, and what is excluded?
- Who will arrange the independent dust clearance testing?
- What documentation will I receive when the work is complete?
EPA explains how to look up certified firms here: EPA – How to find a Lead-Safe Certified firm.
Recordkeeping
Owners must keep lead-based paint records for at least 10 years. Records HPD may request include firm and worker EPA certificates, a firm affidavit, work descriptions or invoices, dust clearance lab results, and the sampler’s affidavit and certificate.
Official sources
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