Blog & Resources

Stay informed about environmental testing, safety regulations, and industry best practices. Expert insights from ESS professionals.

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Apartment building under a blue sky with the text ‘Local Law 31 – NYC Property Owners Must Do Before 2026.’
1 min read

Local Law 31: What NYC Property Owners Must Do Before 2026

Time is running out for New York City property owners. Under Local Law 31 of 2020, all residential buildings built before 1960 must complete certified lead-based paint (XRF) inspections by August 9, 2025. Failure to comply could mean hefty fines and HPD violations starting in 2026. This article explains what the law requires, who it affects, and the essential steps every landlord and manager should take now to stay compliant — before the deadline hits.

introducing-citywatch-free-violation-tracker
1 min read

Introducing CityWatch: The Free Real-Time Violation Alert System for NYC Property Owners

CityWatch delivers instant alerts for HPD, DOB, DEP, and DOH violations — free of charge. Powered by Environmental Safeguard Solutions, we don’t just notify you; we clear all violations quickly and professionally.

New York City apartment building with fire escapes and text overlay reading ‘Local Law 31 – Deadline: August 9, 2025.’ Image promoting Environmental Safeguard Solutions (ESS), a certified lead inspection company helping landlords comply with NYC lead paint regulations.
1 min read

Understanding NYC Local Law 31: Why Lead Paint Compliance Matters More Than Ever

New York City’s Local Law 31 requires all pre-1960 residential buildings to undergo certified lead-based paint inspections by August 9, 2025. Property owners who fail to comply risk HPD violations and costly penalties. Learn how Environmental Safeguard Solutions (ESS) helps landlords stay compliant with fast, EPA-certified XRF inspections and full HPD documentation support.

Construction worker in protective hazmat suit inspecting asbestos in an old building during renovation with safety warning signs
1 min read

The Importance of Asbestos Testing: Protecting Health and Compliance

Asbestos, once a common material in construction, still lingers in many older buildings and poses serious health risks when disturbed. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, often decades after exposure. That’s why asbestos testing is essential before renovations, real estate transactions, or disaster recovery efforts. Conducted by certified professionals, testing ensures compliance with strict regulations while protecting the health of residents, workers, and property owners.

Split-scene of a New York City apartment showing the dangers of lead-based paint. On the left, a worried mother holds her child in a deteriorating room with peeling paint and lead hazard warning signs. On the right, the same apartment is renovated, bright, and safe, with a smiling certified contractor holding a 'Lead-Safe Certified' document. The NYC skyline is visible through the window, symbolizing housing safety regulations
1 min read

HPD Lead Violations: What Property Owners Need to Know

Lead-based paint remains a serious health risk in older New York City buildings, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) enforces strict rules to protect tenants. Property owners must conduct annual inspections, use certified contractors for remediation, and provide proper disclosure notices. Failure to comply can result in HPD lead violations—classified as hazardous or immediately hazardous—bringing fines, legal action, and even property liens. Staying proactive with inspections, record-keeping, and timely repairs is the best way for landlords to remain compliant and safeguard their tenants.

NYC apartment lead paint violation illustration showing inspector with clipboard outside deteriorated building and safe renovated interior.
1 min read

Understanding HPD Lead Violations: Order Numbers and Resolution

In New York City, property owners must comply with strict lead paint regulations, especially in buildings constructed before 1960. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) issues violations when lead hazards are found, and each violation is tied to a specific order number. For example, Order #616 requires the correction of peeling lead-based paint in homes where a child under six resides, while Order #620 addresses lead dust hazards on surfaces like floors and windowsills. Understanding these order numbers—and how to resolve them—is essential for landlords, property managers, and tenants to avoid fines and ensure safe living conditions.

Infographic of NYC HPD mold violations showing Class A non-hazardous mold cleaned by landlord, Class B hazardous mold remediated with HEPA vacuums, and Class C immediately hazardous mold requiring professional contractors in protective suits, with New York City apartment buildings in the background
1 min read

Understanding HPD Mold Violations: Classes, Remedies, and Compliance

Mold violations in New York City are classified by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) into three categories: Class A (non-hazardous), Class B (hazardous), and Class C (immediately hazardous). These classifications determine the severity of the issue, required remediation timelines, and whether compliance must be reported to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Understanding these distinctions helps property owners ensure timely remediation, maintain compliance with NYC regulations, and protect tenant health.

NYC Local Law 31 lead paint inspection in pre-1960 buildings by EPA-certified inspector with XRF device, compliance deadline August 9, 2025
1 min read

Why Compliance with Local Law 31 is Crucial for NYC Property Owners

NYC’s Local Law 31 of 2020 requires EPA-certified lead paint inspections in pre-1960 buildings—and compliance is critical by the August 9, 2025 deadline. Failure to comply can result in steep fines, tenant lawsuits, and reputational damage. Environmental Safeguard Solutions (ESS) helps property owners stay compliant with accurate XRF inspections, detailed reports, and expert guidance. Protect your tenants, avoid costly violations, and safeguard your investment with ESS—New York’s trusted partner in lead, mold, and asbestos safety.

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