As of Dec. 3, 2025, New York State is requiring rental property owners in 25 communities of concern, including the City of Buffalo and Town of Cheektowaga, to address lead hazard concerns. The new regulations target pre-1980 residential rental housing with two or more units. Owners must register their units in the New York Lead Rental Registry data system, regardless of whether they are owner- or family-occupied.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) will oversee pre-emptive inspections. Written documentation that the premises are free of lead hazards will be required before the owner can be issued a lead-safety certification.

If lead hazards are identified, property owners and landlords must oversee prompt cleanup and lead-safe repairs. 

The NYSDOH says compliance will be tracked, monitored and enforced.

Property owners, landlords and contractors performing lead-safe repairs must be EPA-certified in lead renovation, repair and painting. 

To meet the demand, New York State is launching programs to increase the number of EPA-certified lead risk assessors and contractors to identify and remove lead hazards from rental properties. 

The NYSDOH says, “lead poisoning is extremely dangerous, especially for young children. There is no safe level of lead. Once in the body, lead can cause lifelong brain damage, permanent injury and disabilities.”