Local Law 31 Inspections and What the New Administration Means for You

NYC brownstone with mayor candidate signs in window February 11, 2026 11:33 am

With a new city administration placing a clear emphasis on tenant protections and code enforcement, understanding your specific obligations is more critical than ever.

Recent city mailings are reminding property owners of their annual lead paint notice duties, and that is a signal that regulations are under a sharp spotlight. For over 35 years, LEW Environmental Services has been the steady guide for NYC property owners through changing regulations.

We see this moment not as a cause for alarm, but as an opportunity to ensure your properties are safe, compliant, and protected. The cornerstone of this compliance is understanding and fulfillingĀ Local Law 31

While Local Law 1 governs annual notices and hazard remediation, Local Law 31 is the transformative rule that requires landlords to proactively identify lead-based paint. Specifically, it mandates that owners of buildings erected before 1960 must:

  • Conduct a lead paint inspection in NYC for all dwelling units using EPA-certified inspectors.
  • Perform these inspections using XRF testing, the approved, non-destructive method.
  • Completed inspections by August 2025

This law moves beyond reactive compliance to a standard of proven safety. The city’s recent reminders about annual notices are a nudge to ensure your broader Local Law 31 compliance is in order, as the two laws are intrinsically linked.

Why Professional XRF Testing in NYC is Non-Negotiable

For your Local Law 31 inspection, only certified professionals using XRF technology can provide the legally defensible documentation you need. At LEW, our certified inspectors perform precise XRF testing in NYC. Which means that we quickly scan all painted surfaces without damage to your property. This creates a definitive, scientific record of where lead-based paint is present. This becomes the foundational document for your compliance portfolio and for ensuring tenant safety.

Facing new administrative focus doesn’t mean facing complexity alone. That’s why our process is built for clarity and long-term ease.

  1. Expert LL31 Assessment: We clarify your specific obligations under Local Law 31 based on your building’s history and turnover, creating a clear, efficient inspection plan.
  2. Efficient, Certified XRF Inspections: We schedule inspections at your convenience with minimal disruption. Our XRF testing provides the accurate, legally valid data required to satisfy the law.
  3. Your All-in-One Compliance Hub: Upon inspection, you gain access to our proprietary owner’s portal. This is your active command center for Local Law 31 and beyond:
    • Securely store all XRF inspection reports, certificates, and building data.
    • Demonstrate full compliance instantly for any audit, with every document organized and accessible.

Administrations and enforcement emphases will change. The science of safety and the value of meticulous compliance do not. For 35 years, LEW Environmental Services has been the trusted partner for NYC property owners. We have the deep institutional knowledge of laws like Local Law 31 and the proven systems to guide you through them successfully.

We transform regulatory pressure into a simple, actionable plan. A professional lead paint inspection in NYC with LEW is your most powerful tool to meet Local Law 31, protect your tenants and your investment, and secure lasting peace of mind.

Don’t let compliance deadlines become a source of stress. Let our experience be your guide.

Contact LEW Environmental Services today to schedule your mandatory Local Law 31 XRF inspection and build your customized compliance plan.