HPD secures $150,000 in civil penalties through lead-based paint recordkeeping enforcement

Manhattan, NY According to The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), recent litigation stemming from lead-based paint recordkeeping audits resulted in over $150,000 in civil penalties and correction orders across 11 residential buildings located in The Bronx owned by Roger Tate, totaling more than 650 units in September 2025. 

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe and stable home that does not put their health at risk. I’m grateful to HPD for their proactive enforcement of lead-related requirements to keep New Yorkers safe. We will continue to monitor buildings across the city to ensure that property owners are fulfilling their legal requirements for buildings’ habitability – because health and safety is not optional,” said Leila Bozorg, deputy mayor for housing and planning. 

Lead-based paint can pose serious health risks, particularly to children under six, when peeling or creating dust. These enforcement actions highlight HPD’s ongoing commitment to holding property owners accountable and ensuring compliance with Local Law 1, helping protect tenants and prevent future lead hazards. 

“Childhood lead-based paint poisoning is preventable, and protecting New York children continues to be a top priority,” said “Childhood lead-based paint poisoning is preventable, and protecting New York children continues to be a top priority,” said deputy commissioner of enforcement, AnnMarie Santiago. “We and our partners at the Department of Health provide tenants and landlords with the guidance, resources, and education they need to prevent exposure. At the same time, HPD uses a range of tools—proactive audits, inspections, emergency repairs, and litigation—to ensure property owners are doing their part to keep our children safe. This is an important part of our mission, and we are committed to protecting the health of the next generation of New Yorkers.” 

Audits Finding Noncompliance Result in Civil Penalties 

HPD audits uncovered widespread noncompliance with lead-based paint and recordkeeping requirements across the Tate portfolio, including more than 800 Class B and Class C violations, nearly 180 lead-based paint violations, more than 100 residential units with open lead-based paint violations, and up to 22 open lead-based paint violations in a single building. 

HPD’s enforcement actions are often initiated through its Building Lead Index (BLI) audit program, a proactive tool designed to identify buildings at high risk for lead-based paint hazards. The BLI targets properties where: 

Lead violations are most likely to occur, including buildings with peeling lead-based paint confirmed through XRF testing 

Deteriorated surfaces caused by mold, leaks, or other structural issues, 

And turnover-related violations where apartments change occupants. 

During these audits, HPD reviews property owners’ recordkeeping, including past inspection reports, annual notices provided to tenants, and documentation of turnover activities. The agency also evaluates compliance with lead-safe work practices to ensure that renovations and repairs are conducted safely. Audits place special emphasis on buildings where children under six reside, as they are most vulnerable to lead exposure. By combining inspection data, historical records, and building conditions, the BLI enables HPD to identify persistent lead-based paint hazards and take enforcement action to protect tenants. 

Lead-based paint hazards remain a leading cause of lead poisoning, and these enforcement actions send a clear message that property owners must comply with Local Law 1 or face significant penalties. HPD will continue proactive audits, inspections, and litigation to ensure compliance and protect tenants across New York City. Property owners are urged to visit HPD’s Lead-Based Paint webpage for detailed information on their obligations under Local Law 1 and take immediate action where necessary. 

Outreach and Education on Lead-Based Paint Compliance 

In addition to using its enforcement tools, HPD continues to actively work to reduce the potential for lead-based paint poisoning across the city through outreach and education, including: 

A successful Lead Poisoning Prevention Week with in person and virtual activities in October where HPD and the Department of Health, in collaboration with neighborhood health and day care providers, provided information to over 1,500 New Yorkers, including tenants and owners. 

An HPD webinar in December, attended by almost 500 property owners and agents, outlined how to comply with local laws for conducting abatement activities in apartments with a child under six. For anyone who was unable to attend or would like to view more information, you are able to view this webinar here. 

Outreach to landlords, reminding them of the requirement to test all units and common areas in buildings built before 1960 for lead-based paint. Watch the Owner’s Guide to the Lead-Based Paint Exemption Requirements and Application Process webinar on YouTube for details. Testing identifies potential hazards and is required for compliance and exemptions. 

When testing shows that a unit or common area is free of lead-based paint, or that all hazards have been permanently removed, owners can apply for a Lead Exemption through HPD’s Lead Exemption Online Portal (LEOP). A granted exemption relieves owners of certain ongoing Local Law 1 requirements, including sending annual lead notices and conducting annual inspections for the exempted units. This helps reduce administrative work and the risk of civil penalties. 

Handing out the “Lead Paint Hazards in the Home” to tenants on every lead-based paint inspection. 

Protecting residents from lead-based paint is a shared responsibility. HPD will continue enforcing Local Law 1, conducting audits, and pursuing litigation when compliance falls short. Property owners must remain vigilant by sending annual notices, conducting inspections, maintaining accurate records, and promptly correcting lead-based paint hazards. Tenants also play a critical role by reporting peeling paint or deteriorated surfaces by calling 311 and providing access for inspections and repairs. Together, these actions help protect children, families, and communities from lead exposure. 

During CY2025, HPD initiated 22 cases to enforce lead-based paint requirements. Property owners are reminded to complete the Annual Notice Process between January 1 and January 16 to remain in compliance.