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Rochester, NY lead paint rules for rentals (2026)

Short answer: Rochester checks paint at every Certificate of Occupancy inspection on pre-1980 rentals. In the Lead Paint High-Risk Area, units that pass the visual check also need dust wipes within 60 days, and since 2026 those rentals renew their C of O every 3 years (they needed an active C of O by October 1, 2026). Elsewhere, 1–2 family rentals renew every 6 years and 3+ unit buildings every 3. The C of O doubles as New York’s Lead Safety Certificate, so you don’t file with Lead Safe NY.
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Who it covers

All pre-1980 rental units in the city must keep paint intact and are checked at every C of O inspection. Inside the Lead Paint High-Risk Area, units that pass the visual check also get dust wipes. Since 2026, pre-1980 rentals in that area need a C of O inspection every 3 years, and the C of O doubles as the state Lead Safety Certificate.

How long it lasts

C of O: 3 years (6 years for 1–2 family rentals outside the High-Risk Area with no interior peeling paint). Passing dust wipes: 3 years.

What it costs

C of O: $150 single-family, $250 two-family, $350 for 3–5 units, $350 + $25 per unit over 5; doubled if paid late. Dust wipes are paid to a private EPA-certified technician.

If you don’t comply

Renting without a valid C of O can draw an immediate ticket, treated as a health and safety violation under §13A-11D(1)(c). Ignoring a notice and order: up to $500 per offense or 15 days in City Court, with each day a separate offense, or fines through the Municipal Code Violations Bureau. For uncorrected building-code violations the City can seek up to $1,000 per day. Since 2026, a 'Lead Rental Registry violation' is cited when a pre-1980 building with 2+ units in the High-Risk Area lacks a valid C of O on Oct 1, 2026, or on Oct 1 every three years after. Missing the 60-day dust wipe deadline is its own violation.

What you need and when

What you needWhenCost
Renewable Certificate of Occupancy (doubles as Lead Safety Certificate)
Apply within 90 days before expiry; the City mails renewal letters monthly. 3+ unit buildings and mixed-use buildings renew every 3 years. 1-2 family rentals renew every 6 years, but every 3 years if in the High-Risk Area (2026 change) or if interior deteriorated paint was found. Pre-1980 rentals in the High-Risk Area needed an active C of O issued on or after Oct 1, 2023 by Oct 1, 2026, and every 3 years after.		every 3 years; first deadline was October 1, 2026$150 single-family, $250 two-family, $350 for 3-5 units, $350 + $25 per unit over 5; doubled if paid late (fees changed July 1, 2026)
Lead dust wipe test (High-Risk Area)
After a C of O inspection with no interior peeling paint, the owner has 60 days to submit certified dust wipe results. Since 2026, every unit in pre-1980 High-Risk Area rentals is wiped (6+ unit buildings used to be sampled only when peeling paint was found). Passing results stay valid 3 years unless deteriorated paint is later found inside. Retest after cleaning is allowed if under 50% of the first wipes failed.		every 3 years; due within 60 days after a C of O inspection if the property is in the High-Risk AreaPaid to a private EPA-certified dust wipe technician, inspector or risk assessor; no official price
Building Owner Registry contact update
Owner name (a natural person for LLCs), street mailing address and phone are due with each C of O renewal. A property maintenance contact is required, and must live in Monroe County if the owner lives outside the area. The City sends this to NYS as your Lead Rental Registry registration.		--

Not covered

Certificate types

How to get inspected

City inspectors do the C of O inspection and visual paint check. Dust wipes and clearance must be done by EPA-certified lead inspectors, risk assessors, dust wipe technicians or sampling technicians the City has not barred.

Fees

What to give tenants

The federal lead disclosure rule applies on top of this for nearly every rental built before 1978. What it requires.

Where to register or file

City of Rochester C of O + Building Owner Registry (feeds the NYS Lead Rental Registry): Apply for C of O renewal with the City Permit Office; update owner contacts via the Building Owner Registry (www.CityofRochester.gov/BOR)

Where sources disagree: Which properties get the 3-year cycle. The City's 2026 changes page says pre-1980, High-Risk Area properties with at least 1 rental unit (cityofrochester.gov). Ordinance §90-54E cites the new Lead Rental Registry violation only for buildings with 2+ units (ecode360.com). The City's 'When is a C of O required' table still shows 6 years for 1-2 family rentals, with 3 years as a lead exception. Conclusion: single-unit rentals in the High-Risk Area follow the City's 3-year policy, but the formal registry violation targets 2+ units. Fees: the City says fees changed July 1, 2026; the figures used here are from the June 2026 'updated' application and current web page. Year cutoff: an older City C of O FAQ says pre-1978, but the ordinance as amended in 2026 uses pre-1980.

Keep every certificate on time

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Questions landlords ask

How often do Rochester rentals need a Certificate of Occupancy?

Buildings with 3+ units: every 3 years. 1-2 family rentals: every 6 years, but every 3 years if built before 1980 and inside the Lead Paint High-Risk Area, or if interior peeling paint was found. Apply within 90 days before your C of O expires.

Do I need a lead dust wipe test in Rochester?

Yes, if your rental is inside the Lead Paint High-Risk Area and passes the visual paint check. You have 60 days to submit certified dust wipe results from an EPA-certified technician or inspector. Results are good for 3 years.

Do Rochester landlords have to register in Lead Safe NY?

No. Monroe County delegated the state program to the City. Your C of O counts as the state Lead Safety Certificate, and your Building Owner Registry info is sent to the state for you.

I live in one half of my Rochester two-family. Am I exempt?

Not fully anymore if it was built before 1980 and is in the High-Risk Area. Since 2026 you need a C of O; only the inside of your own unit is skipped. The other unit, shared spaces and exterior must be inspected.

What does a Rochester C of O cost?

$150 for a single-family, $250 for a two-family, $350 for 3-5 units, and $350 plus $25 per unit over 5. Fees double if paid after the due date.

Last checked November 6, 2026. Law: Rochester City Code Ch. 90, Art. III (§§90-50 to 90-59, Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention), amended by Ord. 2026-81 (Apr 21, 2026); C of O at §90-16; penalties §90-70 and Ch. 52. Agency: City of Rochester, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (delegated NYS Lead Rental Registry authority from Monroe County Department of Public Health).

This page sums up published rules as of November 6, 2026. It is not legal advice, and myleadsafe is not a government site. Rules and fees change, and local offices add their own steps, so confirm with the city before you rely on a date or a fee.

Sources (10)