Lead Paint Inspections
XRF Lead Paint Inspection NYC: Pricing, Local Law 31 and What Owners Need to Know
XRF Lead Paint Inspection NYC: Pricing, Local Law 31 and What Owners Need to Know
Resi Comply
XRF lead paint inspections in NYC cost $200–$425 per apartment or residential unit through Resi Comply. Pricing depends on the number of units, apartment size, access arrangements and inspection scope. Common-area testing is quoted separately.
An XRF inspection identifies lead in painted surfaces and records where it is located. For building owners and property managers, that report supports maintenance planning, renovation decisions and lead compliance records.
The August 9, 2025 testing deadline has passed. If your building still has untested apartments or common areas, review your records and arrange the outstanding inspections.
What Is an XRF Lead Paint Inspection?
XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence. An inspector uses a handheld analyzer to test painted surfaces for lead, generally without scraping or removing the paint.
A lead paint inspection identifies whether lead-based paint is present and where it is located. A lead risk assessment serves a different purpose: evaluating lead hazards and recommending ways to address them.
The inspection report gives your management team a record of the tested components and results, organized by location.
How Much Does an XRF Lead Paint Inspection Cost in NYC?
Resi Comply charges $200–$425 per residential unit for XRF lead paint inspections in NYC.
Inspection scope | Resi Comply pricing |
|---|---|
Apartment or residential unit | $200–$425 per unit |
Multiple apartments in one building | Within the $200–$425 per-unit range, based on scope |
Common areas | Quoted separately |
Multiple buildings or portfolios | Building-specific quote |
Multi-unit bookings with coordinated access generally qualify for lower per-unit pricing. Single-unit appointments and larger apartments may fall toward the higher end of the range.
What Affects the Price?
Number of units: Testing several apartments at the same property can reduce the cost per apartment.
Apartment size and layout: More rooms and painted components require more testing.
Access arrangements: Missed appointments and additional visits can increase the total cost.
Inspection scope: Common areas and additional sampling are priced according to the work required.
For example, testing five apartments would cost $1,000–$2,125, excluding common areas and separately quoted services.
Your written quote confirms the inspection scope, included documentation and any additional charges.
Which NYC Buildings Need XRF Lead Testing?
HPD’s testing requirements generally cover:
Pre-1960 rental properties, including rental apartments in one- and two-family homes.
Rental buildings constructed between 1960 and 1978 where the owner has actual knowledge of lead-based paint.
Rented co-op and condo apartments in applicable buildings.
Common areas in applicable buildings.
Vacant apartments must also be tested. Owner-occupied co-op and condo apartments are generally excluded while occupied by the owner or the owner’s family; common-area obligations still apply.
Local Law 31 and Local Law 111: Apartments and Common Areas
Local Law 31 of 2020 established the apartment XRF testing requirement.
Local Law 111 of 2023 extended testing requirements to common areas.
The deadline for both was August 9, 2025. Apartment reports alone do not establish that a building’s common areas were tested. Check the scope of your existing reports before treating the property as complete.
What Should You Do If You Missed the Testing Deadline?
Start with a review of your existing inspection records.
Compare the reports against your current apartment list and create a tracker showing:
Apartments with complete inspection reports.
Apartments still requiring testing.
Apartments where access was unsuccessful.
Common areas completed or outstanding.
Missing reports or supporting documents.
Then arrange testing for the outstanding locations.
If access has been denied, retain notices, correspondence and records of attempted visits. HPD provides a sample no-access affidavit and considers supporting documentation when reviewing compliance.
For a portfolio, use the same tracking format across every building. This makes it easier to see which inspections need scheduling and which files need attention.
What Happens During an XRF Lead Paint Inspection?
1. Confirm the Inspection Scope
Provide the building address, number of apartments and whether common areas need testing.
Share any previous reports and relevant HPD notices so the inspection can be scoped correctly.
2. Coordinate Apartment Access
Notify occupants and confirm access before the appointment. Make sure the inspector can reach windows, doors and other painted components.
Do not scrape, sand or disturb suspected lead paint to prepare for testing.
3. Complete On-Site Testing
The inspector tests painted surfaces and records the results by location.
Resi Comply’s lead inspection services include XRF testing and paint-chip sampling when required. Any additional sampling should be confirmed as part of the inspection scope.
4. Receive and Review the Report
Check that the report identifies the correct property and apartments. Review positive findings, any areas that could not be tested and recommended follow-up.
Store the report where your management team can retrieve it when planning work or responding to a records request.
Who Can Perform a Local Law 31 Inspection?
The inspection must be performed by an EPA-certified lead inspector or risk assessor who meets HPD’s independence requirements.
HPD specifies that the inspector must be independent of the owner, the owner’s agent and contractors involved in lead paint remediation. Confirm these requirements when arranging testing and any subsequent work.
What Happens If the Inspection Finds Lead Paint?
A positive result identifies lead-based paint on a tested surface. The next steps depend on the paint condition, the component, occupancy and applicable requirements.
NYC owners have separate responsibilities involving lead hazards, annual investigations, safe work practices and apartment turnover. Completing an XRF inspection does not replace those obligations.
Before arranging repairs or renovation, review the findings with the professionals responsible for the work. Make sure they know which surfaces contain lead and what documentation or clearance testing the project requires.
XRF Lead Testing vs. Dust Wipe Testing
XRF testing and dust wipe testing answer different questions.
Test | What it identifies |
|---|---|
XRF lead paint inspection | Lead in tested painted surfaces |
Dust wipe testing | Lead in dust collected from sampled surfaces |
An XRF report does not establish that an apartment is free of lead dust. Dust testing may be part of a hazard evaluation or clearance process after work.
When requesting an inspection, explain whether you need a building testing program, a renovation assessment or testing connected to an existing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions About XRF Lead Paint Inspections
How much does an XRF lead paint inspection cost in NYC?
Resi Comply’s pricing is $200–$425 per apartment or residential unit. The final price depends on the number of apartments, size, access and scope. Common areas are quoted separately.
Is XRF testing required annually?
No. HPD describes the Local Law 31 XRF requirement as a one-time inspection. Separate annual lead-related obligations may still apply.
What lead paint threshold applies in NYC?
Current NYC XRF testing uses a 0.5 milligrams per square centimeter (mg/cm²) action level.
Does an older XRF report automatically need to be replaced?
No. HPD has stated that qualifying Local Law 31 inspections completed before December 1, 2021 at the former 1.0 mg/cm² level do not automatically require another full apartment inspection solely to satisfy Local Law 31.
Have the existing report reviewed against the purpose of your current inspection or project.
How long must owners keep XRF testing records?
HPD requires testing records, EPA inspector certifications and affidavits to be retained for at least 10 years.
Does XRF testing damage the paint?
XRF testing is generally non-destructive. If paint-chip sampling is required, that involves collecting a physical paint sample and should be explained separately.
Can I get a quote for an entire building?
Yes. Send Resi Comply the building address, apartment count, common-area scope and any existing reports. For multiple properties, provide a building list so each location can be included in the quote.
Book an XRF Lead Paint Inspection in NYC
Resi Comply provides professional lead paint inspections for NYC building owners, property managers, co-ops, condos and homeowners.
Whether you need one apartment tested or inspections across a portfolio, send us your property details and we will confirm the scope and pricing.
XRF inspection pricing: $200–$425 per residential unit. Common areas quoted separately.
Call: (646) 586-1267
Email: info@resicomplynyc.com
XRF lead paint inspections in NYC cost $200–$425 per apartment or residential unit through Resi Comply. Pricing depends on the number of units, apartment size, access arrangements and inspection scope. Common-area testing is quoted separately.
An XRF inspection identifies lead in painted surfaces and records where it is located. For building owners and property managers, that report supports maintenance planning, renovation decisions and lead compliance records.
The August 9, 2025 testing deadline has passed. If your building still has untested apartments or common areas, review your records and arrange the outstanding inspections.
What Is an XRF Lead Paint Inspection?
XRF stands for X-ray fluorescence. An inspector uses a handheld analyzer to test painted surfaces for lead, generally without scraping or removing the paint.
A lead paint inspection identifies whether lead-based paint is present and where it is located. A lead risk assessment serves a different purpose: evaluating lead hazards and recommending ways to address them.
The inspection report gives your management team a record of the tested components and results, organized by location.
How Much Does an XRF Lead Paint Inspection Cost in NYC?
Resi Comply charges $200–$425 per residential unit for XRF lead paint inspections in NYC.
Inspection scope | Resi Comply pricing |
|---|---|
Apartment or residential unit | $200–$425 per unit |
Multiple apartments in one building | Within the $200–$425 per-unit range, based on scope |
Common areas | Quoted separately |
Multiple buildings or portfolios | Building-specific quote |
Multi-unit bookings with coordinated access generally qualify for lower per-unit pricing. Single-unit appointments and larger apartments may fall toward the higher end of the range.
What Affects the Price?
Number of units: Testing several apartments at the same property can reduce the cost per apartment.
Apartment size and layout: More rooms and painted components require more testing.
Access arrangements: Missed appointments and additional visits can increase the total cost.
Inspection scope: Common areas and additional sampling are priced according to the work required.
For example, testing five apartments would cost $1,000–$2,125, excluding common areas and separately quoted services.
Your written quote confirms the inspection scope, included documentation and any additional charges.
Which NYC Buildings Need XRF Lead Testing?
HPD’s testing requirements generally cover:
Pre-1960 rental properties, including rental apartments in one- and two-family homes.
Rental buildings constructed between 1960 and 1978 where the owner has actual knowledge of lead-based paint.
Rented co-op and condo apartments in applicable buildings.
Common areas in applicable buildings.
Vacant apartments must also be tested. Owner-occupied co-op and condo apartments are generally excluded while occupied by the owner or the owner’s family; common-area obligations still apply.
Local Law 31 and Local Law 111: Apartments and Common Areas
Local Law 31 of 2020 established the apartment XRF testing requirement.
Local Law 111 of 2023 extended testing requirements to common areas.
The deadline for both was August 9, 2025. Apartment reports alone do not establish that a building’s common areas were tested. Check the scope of your existing reports before treating the property as complete.
What Should You Do If You Missed the Testing Deadline?
Start with a review of your existing inspection records.
Compare the reports against your current apartment list and create a tracker showing:
Apartments with complete inspection reports.
Apartments still requiring testing.
Apartments where access was unsuccessful.
Common areas completed or outstanding.
Missing reports or supporting documents.
Then arrange testing for the outstanding locations.
If access has been denied, retain notices, correspondence and records of attempted visits. HPD provides a sample no-access affidavit and considers supporting documentation when reviewing compliance.
For a portfolio, use the same tracking format across every building. This makes it easier to see which inspections need scheduling and which files need attention.
What Happens During an XRF Lead Paint Inspection?
1. Confirm the Inspection Scope
Provide the building address, number of apartments and whether common areas need testing.
Share any previous reports and relevant HPD notices so the inspection can be scoped correctly.
2. Coordinate Apartment Access
Notify occupants and confirm access before the appointment. Make sure the inspector can reach windows, doors and other painted components.
Do not scrape, sand or disturb suspected lead paint to prepare for testing.
3. Complete On-Site Testing
The inspector tests painted surfaces and records the results by location.
Resi Comply’s lead inspection services include XRF testing and paint-chip sampling when required. Any additional sampling should be confirmed as part of the inspection scope.
4. Receive and Review the Report
Check that the report identifies the correct property and apartments. Review positive findings, any areas that could not be tested and recommended follow-up.
Store the report where your management team can retrieve it when planning work or responding to a records request.
Who Can Perform a Local Law 31 Inspection?
The inspection must be performed by an EPA-certified lead inspector or risk assessor who meets HPD’s independence requirements.
HPD specifies that the inspector must be independent of the owner, the owner’s agent and contractors involved in lead paint remediation. Confirm these requirements when arranging testing and any subsequent work.
What Happens If the Inspection Finds Lead Paint?
A positive result identifies lead-based paint on a tested surface. The next steps depend on the paint condition, the component, occupancy and applicable requirements.
NYC owners have separate responsibilities involving lead hazards, annual investigations, safe work practices and apartment turnover. Completing an XRF inspection does not replace those obligations.
Before arranging repairs or renovation, review the findings with the professionals responsible for the work. Make sure they know which surfaces contain lead and what documentation or clearance testing the project requires.
XRF Lead Testing vs. Dust Wipe Testing
XRF testing and dust wipe testing answer different questions.
Test | What it identifies |
|---|---|
XRF lead paint inspection | Lead in tested painted surfaces |
Dust wipe testing | Lead in dust collected from sampled surfaces |
An XRF report does not establish that an apartment is free of lead dust. Dust testing may be part of a hazard evaluation or clearance process after work.
When requesting an inspection, explain whether you need a building testing program, a renovation assessment or testing connected to an existing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions About XRF Lead Paint Inspections
How much does an XRF lead paint inspection cost in NYC?
Resi Comply’s pricing is $200–$425 per apartment or residential unit. The final price depends on the number of apartments, size, access and scope. Common areas are quoted separately.
Is XRF testing required annually?
No. HPD describes the Local Law 31 XRF requirement as a one-time inspection. Separate annual lead-related obligations may still apply.
What lead paint threshold applies in NYC?
Current NYC XRF testing uses a 0.5 milligrams per square centimeter (mg/cm²) action level.
Does an older XRF report automatically need to be replaced?
No. HPD has stated that qualifying Local Law 31 inspections completed before December 1, 2021 at the former 1.0 mg/cm² level do not automatically require another full apartment inspection solely to satisfy Local Law 31.
Have the existing report reviewed against the purpose of your current inspection or project.
How long must owners keep XRF testing records?
HPD requires testing records, EPA inspector certifications and affidavits to be retained for at least 10 years.
Does XRF testing damage the paint?
XRF testing is generally non-destructive. If paint-chip sampling is required, that involves collecting a physical paint sample and should be explained separately.
Can I get a quote for an entire building?
Yes. Send Resi Comply the building address, apartment count, common-area scope and any existing reports. For multiple properties, provide a building list so each location can be included in the quote.
Book an XRF Lead Paint Inspection in NYC
Resi Comply provides professional lead paint inspections for NYC building owners, property managers, co-ops, condos and homeowners.
Whether you need one apartment tested or inspections across a portfolio, send us your property details and we will confirm the scope and pricing.
XRF inspection pricing: $200–$425 per residential unit. Common areas quoted separately.
Call: (646) 586-1267
Email: info@resicomplynyc.com
Control starts now
Take control of your compliance
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Control starts now
Take control of your compliance
Bring your compliance into one system — with full visibility, control, and expert support