New York's mandatory Lead Rental Registry does not apply to Bronxville, Scarsdale or Eastchester. But landlords in those communities who own rental property in nearby Mount Vernon, New Rochelle or Yonkers may already be out of compliance.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler announced Tuesday, Aug. 11, that owners of pre-1980 buildings with two or more units in ZIP codes 10550 (Mount Vernon), 10801 (New Rochelle) and 10701 and 10705 (Yonkers) must register through the state's Lead Safe NY portal. The requirement includes owner-occupied properties.

The law took effect Nov. 3, 2025. Affected landlords are already overdue.

After the registry launched, the Westchester County Department of Health notified thousands of property owners by letter and email, but compliance remains incomplete. Amler's announcement amounts to a public push to get stragglers signed up.

"There is no safe level of lead, and the health effects can be lifelong and devastating," Amler said in the county's announcement. "We call upon landlords in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Yonkers to register the thousands of apartments that meet the state's criteria."

What happens after registration

Once registered, buildings must undergo visual inspections every three years by EPA-certified lead inspectors. If deteriorated paint is found, the owner must remediate it and pass a clearance inspection. If paint appears intact, inspectors perform dust wipe sampling to confirm no lead dust hazards exist.

Property owners must notify tenants and provide access to individual apartments when inspections are scheduled.

State funding available

New York allocated $20 million through the Leading in Lead Prevention Pilot Program to help property owners in the 25 designated communities cover remediation costs. The state program targets communities with the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning and the oldest rental housing stock.

Why Bronxville, Scarsdale and Eastchester are excluded

The state selected its 25 communities based on childhood lead poisoning rates and housing age. ZIP codes 10708 (Bronxville), 10583 (Scarsdale) and 10709/10707 (Eastchester) did not meet those thresholds. No expansion to additional Westchester ZIP codes has been announced.

How to register

Landlords in the affected ZIP codes can register at leadsafeny.health.ny.gov using a NY.gov ID. The state says registration takes about 10 minutes and requires the property address, property tax ID number and owner contact information.

Property owners with questions can call the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5240.