Get Ahead Of Lead - Get Ahead Of Lead

Most Western New Yorkers think the threat of lead paint is a thing of the past.
Unfortunately, Buffalo ranks among the top 10 cities nationally for elevated blood lead levels in young children.

Buffalo is renovating more than ever before. That means it’s time for all of us—each landlord, tenant, and homeowner—to help make our community lead-safe.

What to look for - Windowsills and doorways inside and outside the house, chipping and peeling paint

Areas At Risk

Buffalo is one of the oldest and most historic housing markets in the country. If your home was built before 1978 and resides within the following zip-codes, you may be at risk for lead exposure.

14201	14208	14211	14214
14206	14209	14212	14215
14207	14210	14213

Take a class to learn how to work lead safe. Learn More.

FOR LANDLORDS AND CONTRACTORS

LEAD-SAFE. SOUND INVESTMENT.

To ensure that rental properties meet the minimum standards of safe and healthy housing, the Department of Permits & Inspections is launching an inspection program focused on one- and two-family homes that are used as rental properties. These inspections are performed at no cost to the owner and will not be initiated by a complaint; they will occur as part of an automated process. All occupied properties will be scheduled for proactive inspection by the Department and will be required to maintain a Certificate of Rental Compliance.

To learn more about this new program, visit the city’s website or download the Proactive Rental Inspection Brochure.

Making your properties lead-safe could be easier—and more affordable—than you think.

Learn more about lead poisoning and its effect on children here.

Explore what steps you need to take to get ahead of lead.

When you own a property built before 1978 in the City of Buffalo Complete and deliver copies of the Lead Paint Notice Form and Renovate Right Booklet to tenants.
When you sign a lease with new tenants in the City of Buffalo Complete and deliver a copy of the Lead Disclosure Form to Tenants, and a copy of the Landlord Attestation Form to the City of Buffalo.
When you plan to renovate or paint Complete and deliver copies of the Pre-Renovation Notification Form to tenants.
When you hire a contractor to do the work Find a licensed contractor.
Make sure you’re ready for a Proactive Rental Inspection Review and Fill out the Proactive Rental Inspection Checklist
Learn everything you need to know about lead-safe work practices Contact 716-961-7582 or email (work.leadsafe@erie.gov) to sign up for a lead-safe training and certification class.

FOR TENANTS

LEAD-SAFE LIVING.

Exposure to lead is extremely hazardous – especially in young children. Contact your landlord if you have not received the Lead Paint Notice Form, the Lead Disclosure Form, or the Renovate Right Booklet. If you do not hear back from your landlord in 30 days, call 311 to request an inspection to make sure your home is lead-safe. Learn more about lead poisoning and its effect on children here.

Call 311 the City of Buffalo's Call Resolution Center.

Tips for keeping a house lead-safe:

Use wet paper towels to clean up lead dust.
Clean around windows, play areas, and floors.
Always wash hands before eating and sleeping.

FOR DIY RENOVATORS AND HOMEOWNERS

GET THE LEAD OUT.

Buying a home infested with lead paint was never part of your plan. And even though making your home lead-safe is your responsibility, you’re not on your own.

Register today for a free training course offered by the Erie County Department of Health on how to protect yourself and your family from being exposed to lead hazards.

Examples of Lead-Safe Practices