Lead Paint Inspection & XRF Testing in NYC
Paint, dust and soil answer different questions.
Lead paint inspection and XRF testing enquiries for New York City properties. Match the work to your purpose: painted-component inspection, dust-wipe sampling or documentation for a property requirement.
Know the paint.
Understand
the findings.
01 / PAINTXRF inspection
02 / DUSTSurface sampling
03 / NEXT STEPSClear documentation
Testing methods and reporting are confirmed before the visit.Lead testing and Local Law 31 inspection enquiries
XRF paint inspection or dust-wipe sampling?
XRF evaluates painted components; dust wipes collect material from a defined surface for laboratory analysis. Confirm the purpose before booking so the inspection locations, method and report fit the request.
Local Law 31: start with your building records
HPD’s guidance describes required XRF testing for covered rental properties, including requirements affecting apartments and common areas. Share the building age, prior testing and any notice. Confirm coverage, required credentials and independence against current HPD guidance; a test report alone is not an HPD exemption.
Documentation for owners and managers
Bring previous reports, unit and common-area details, access arrangements and any agency instructions. The engagement should identify the inspection scope and whether additional forms, clearance or risk assessment are separately required.
Explore support for restaurants, landlords and property managers, or homeowners and buyers. Discuss your NYC property →
From the surface.
To the record.
PAINTED COMPONENTCheck the component.
An XRF instrument evaluates paint at the inspection locations. The method and scope determine how findings are recorded.
DEFINED SAMPLE AREACollect a separate sample.
When included, a surface wipe is collected for laboratory analysis. It answers a different question from paint testing.
Understand the record.
Review the tested locations, results and limitations. Discuss any further evaluation or separately scoped work.
AI-generated illustrative scenes with camera animation—not actual inspection footage, operating instructions, test results or a demonstration of clearance.
Lead inspection.
Made clear.
Compare the services below to understand what each answers and what to prepare.
Location.
Method.
Finding.
Painted components XRF inspection
Collected surface dust Laboratory analysis
Purpose & requirements Agreed reporting
Methods are scoped separately. No sample results shown.01XRF paint inspection+
Does the paint contain lead?
An XRF inspection evaluates painted components. Findings are tied to tested locations and the inspection’s limitations.
02Dust-wipe sampling+
What is in the dust at this location?
A defined surface area is sampled and the wipe is sent for laboratory analysis. A dust result differs from a measurement of lead in paint.
03Required documentation+
Start with the document you need.
A paint inspection, risk assessment and clearance evaluation serve different purposes. Share your notice so the right scope and provider can be confirmed.
Findings tied to the tested location.
Confirm the method, included areas and required documentation before testing. Results apply to the inspection or samples performed—not to untested surfaces.
Choose the method for the decision.
Testing a painted component and sampling dust from a surface are different investigations. The property history, intended use of the results and any applicable requirements shape the scope. The report should identify what was tested without extending that conclusion to untested materials.
How the work unfolds.
- 01
Define the purpose
Confirm the property, material, requested documentation and the required individual and firm credentials.
- 02
Test the agreed locations
Carry out the specified XRF inspection or sampling and record locations, methods and access limitations.
- 03
Explain the record
Provide the agreed findings or laboratory results and identify whether additional assessment or corrective work needs a separate scope.
View the detailed scope
- Identify the property, surfaces or sample locations and reason for testing.
- Plan XRF inspection and/or dust or soil sampling as applicable to the agreed scope.
- Record tested locations, methods and relevant access limitations.
- Provide the agreed inspection or laboratory results with an explanation of next steps.
Findings tied to the tested locations.
A documented record of the testing performed and applicable laboratory results. Regulatory forms, risk assessments and clearance work are included only when expressly scoped.
Know what is included.
Required individual and firm credentials, testing methods and the purpose of the report must be confirmed. Lead inspection, risk assessment, abatement and clearance are distinct services. This page does not establish that a property is lead-free.
EPA lead certification guidanceWorth knowing before you book.
What should I provide when requesting an XRF inspection?
Share the address, building age if known, units or common areas involved, prior testing and the purpose of the report. Include the complete agency notice or documentation request where applicable so the required scope and qualified provider can be confirmed.
Does a lead inspection include removing or repairing painted surfaces?
Inspection and testing identify findings within the agreed scope. Abatement, repair, clearance and agency paperwork are separate tasks unless expressly included. Ask which records you will receive and what additional work may need a separate provider.
Is an XRF inspection the same as dust-wipe testing?
No. XRF evaluates painted components; dust-wipe sampling evaluates collected dust from specified surfaces. The inspection purpose determines which work is appropriate.
Does one negative result establish that the apartment is lead-free?
No. A result applies to the tested component or collected sample within the stated method and scope. It cannot be extended to untested surfaces or used as a broader certification without the required investigation.
Let’s discuss
lead inspections & testing.
Share the property address and what prompted your enquiry. We’ll discuss the scope and next step.