A brand-new program to prevent lead poisoning and protect families will begin November 2025!

Public Health Law Section 1377 will require certain rental properties to be regularly inspected for lead hazards like chipping and peeling paint. Property owners will register their rental unit and schedule an inspection with the Broome County Health Department every three years. If there are no lead hazards, property owners will receive a certificate of lead safety. If we do find lead hazards, we’ll issue a Notice & Demand requiring property owners to fix the lead hazards safely and promptly. Broome County Health Department will help you through this process with training and referrals.

This law applies to any property built before 1980 with 2 or more units in the City of Binghamton within ZIP codes 13901 and 13905.

Why 13901 and 13905?

25 communities across New York State were chosen to take part in this pro-active program based on age of rental properties and incidence of lead poisoning. Targeted programs like this allow us to get resources to areas that are most affected by a health problem. Lead poisoning prevention resources are still available to everyone in Broome County!

Why properties built before 1980?

Lead paint is extremely dangerous! Old paint in pre-1980 homes is the biggest source of lead poisoning. Lead paint was banned in 1978. This law uses 1980 as a cut-off date to be safe. People may have used up lead paint they bought before it was banned.

Why rental properties?

Any deteriorated lead paint in a home is a problem, whether it’s a rental or not! But living in a rented home increases the likelihood that a child will be exposed to lead. 2 out of 3 kids in Broome County who had high lead tests in 2024 lived in rented units. Click here for additional lead poisoning prevention resources for both tenants and homeowners!

When does the Lead Rental Registry begin?

The Lead Rental Registry begins early November, 2025. Between then and January 2, 2026, property owners must register their eligible properties in City of Binghamton ZIP codes 13901 and 13905 with Broome County Health Department.

When will you be inspecting my home?

Homes in the Lead Rental Registry must be inspected for lead every three years or after a property is sold to a new owner.

What will the inspections entail?

Each inspection will include:

• A visual check for bare soil outdoors
• A visual check for deteriorated paint (chipping, peeling, chalking) inside and on the outside of the home
• Dust wipe sampling inside the home

How can I learn more?

To learn more about the Lead Rental Registry, visit the New York State Department of Health website here.

You can also review the posting in the New York State Register (12/24/24, starting on page 29) and the draft regulations from New York State. We will update this link when the regulations are finalized.

What can I do to prepare for the Lead Rental Registry?

Everyone has a role to play in lead poisoning prevention! Tenants, landlords, and contractors can all prepare for this new program.

• Make sure your kids have had the lead tests they need. Every child in New York should be tested for lead at 1 and again at 2 years old. Kids who live in homes built before 1978, have lived outside the United States, live with someone who uses lead in their work or hobbies, or uses medicine, remedies, makeup, spices, or pottery from outside the United States may need additional lead tests. Call your healthcare provider today and ask about lead testing! Click here to learn more about lead poisoning prevention in Broome County!
• Learn how to safely fix lead hazards! Anyone working with lead-based paint or other lead hazards needs to take training and be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Click here to learn more about lead safe work practices and to find a training!
• Get your home or rental unit checked for lead hazards now! Broome County Health Department offers FREE lead inspections for any rental property in Broome County OR for any home with a child 5 and under OR any home with a pregnant person! Click here to schedule an inspection or call 607-778-2847!