I called 311 to complain about chipping paint in my apartment. I have a child who is 3 years old and she has previously tested positive for elevated lead levels in her blood. How long does the City of New York have in order to conduct an inspection of my apartment?

Under Local Law #1 of 2004, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has ten (10) days after receiving a complaint to inspect an apartment. In the event HPD is unable to obtain access to the apartment in order to perform an inspection it must make a second attempt within five (5) days of their first attempt to inspect. They are supposed to use an X-ray fluorescence analyzer to test for lead in the apartment if possible. If for reasons beyond the control of HPD the X-ray fluorescence analyzer is unavailable, then the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) can rely on the presumption provided under Local Law #1 as to the existence of leaded paint. If you have any questions regarding this process, it is important to contact a knowledgeable lead poisoning lawyer who can guide you through the process.