Lead Compliance Reminders: What Property Owners Need to Do in 2026

As you plan for 2026, now is the perfect time to confirm your buildings are on track with New York City’s lead safety requirements. With multiple local laws in effect — and increased enforcement through audits and record requests — staying organized and proactive is key.

Below is a concise, practical overview of what property owners need to do in 2026, key deadlines to remember, and how Jerome Environmental Services can support you from start to finish.

2026 Lead Compliance Calendar (At a Glance)

January 1–15

Distribute annual lead paint notices to all residential units (Local Law 1).

By February 15

Collect tenant responses, log them properly, and send follow-ups where needed.

By Early March

Complete required annual visual investigations based on tenant responses — particularly for units with a child under 6 or unknown status.

All Year (Rolling Requirements):

1. XRF testing for any pre-1960 units and applicable common areas not yet tested (Local Laws 31 & 111).
2. Vacancy turnover work: Ensure apartments are delivered lead-safe before re-occupancy (Local Law 1).
3. Abatement planning: If a child under 6 resides in a unit with presumed lead-based paint, Local Law 123 deadlines apply (see below).
4. Record readiness: Maintain organized records for at least 10 years and be prepared to respond to HPD record production requests at any time.

Missed the August 2025 XRF target? Testing can still be completed in 2026. The sooner you schedule, the easier it is to demonstrate compliance if HPD requests records.

Key Lead Compliance Reminders for 2026

XRF Testing (Local Laws 31 & 111)

1. Pre-1960 buildings must test all residential units and applicable common areas.
2. Testing may continue into 2026 for buildings or units that were not previously accessible.

Lead-Safe at Turnover (Local Law 1)

1. When an apartment becomes vacant, owners must address lead hazards and ensure the unit is lead-safe before a new tenant moves in.
2. Proper documentation of turnover work and dust wipe clearance is essential.

Abatement Deadlines (Local Law 123)

1. If a child under 6 currently resides in a unit with presumed lead-based paint, required abatement (including door and window friction surfaces and smooth, cleanable floors) must be completed by July 2027.
2. If a child under 6 begins residing in the unit after January 1, 2025, the same abatement must be completed within three years of the move-in date.

Records Readiness (Local Law 122)

Owners must retain and organize:

1. Annual lead notices and tenant responses
2. Visual investigation logs
3. XRF testing results
4. Abatement and clearance documentation

Records must be produced quickly if requested by HPD during an audit or Record Production Order.

How JESLLC Can Help

At Jerome Environmental Services, we help property owners stay compliant without the stress. Our services include:

1. XRF testing and tenant/super coordination
2. Common-area testing and scheduling
3. EPA-certified lead abatement and remediation
4. Lead-safe vacancy turnover scopes and execution
5. Record preparation and organization to stay audit-ready
6. Straightforward pricing and responsive scheduling

Our team understands NYC’s lead laws and HPD expectations — and we help you manage compliance from A to Z.

Plan Ahead for a Compliant 2026

📞 Call 718-220-3350 or

📧 Email info@jesllc.com

to schedule a consultation or compliance review.

Staying lead-safe isn’t just about meeting deadlines — it’s about protecting residents, reducing risk, and keeping your properties running smoothly.