Bill > A01529

This bill requires the disclosure of lead-based paint test reports in real estate transactions for residential properties built before 1978, aimed at protecting public health and providing transparency in property sales. Effective August 1, 2026, sellers must have their property tested for lead-based paint by a certified inspector and provide the test report to potential buyers before signing a binding contract of sale. The test report must be filed with the county title registrar and the state health department's public registry, which will be accessible online and translated into multiple languages. The bill includes specific definitions of lead-based paint, establishing that paint containing 0.50 milligrams of lead per square centimeter or more is considered lead-based. Sellers who have not previously received a lead-based paint test report can deduct up to $500 (or $400 per unit in multi-unit buildings) from their taxes for the testing costs. Real estate agents must inform both sellers and buyers of their obligations under the law, and any contractual waivers of lead-based paint inspection rights are deemed void. The bill applies to most residential property sales, with exceptions for certain transfers like those involving estates, co-owners, or government entities. Critically, the legislation is part of a broader effort to address lead poisoning, which disproportionately affects children in low-income and Black households, by ensuring potential buyers are informed about lead hazards before purchasing a property.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1529