For property owners in New York City, managing environmental safety and ensuring tenant well-being is essential, especially in buildings where lead-based paint poses a risk. HPD Violation Code 555, which addresses lead-based paint hazards, categorizes these conditions as Class C Violations – the most severe type of violation due to their immediate health risks. Failure to comply with this violation code can lead to substantial penalties, payment suspensions, and even criminal charges.

Here’s what property owners need to know about Violation Code 555, its requirements, and the steps for resolving it.

What is HPD Violation Code 555?

HPD Violation Code 555 specifically addresses the presence of deteriorating lead-based paint, which becomes a hazard as it begins to peel, chip, or release lead dust into the environment. Lead-based paint hazards are particularly dangerous for children under six years old, as lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including developmental delays and behavioral problems.

Violation Code 555 mandates that landlords must remove or cover peeling lead paint in a manner approved by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Since this is classified as a Class C Violation, it requires immediate correction and certification by a specified date to ensure tenant safety.

Consequences of Failing to Correct a Violation Code 555 Lead Hazard

Failure to address a lead hazard under Violation Code 555 can result in several serious consequences:

1. Civil Penalties
   HPD imposes civil penalties of $250 per day per violation, which can total up to $10,000 if the violation is not corrected within the required timeframe. These penalties accumulate daily until the issue is resolved.
2. Suspension of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)
   Property owners receiving Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) may face payment suspension until the lead hazard is remediated. This suspension impacts landlords financially, as payments resume only after compliance is achieved.
3. Criminal Penalties
   Failure to comply with Violation Code 555 can also lead to criminal penalties. Property owners may face a misdemeanor charge, with potential fines of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to six months. This underscores the importance of addressing lead hazards swiftly to avoid legal complications.

Steps to Resolve Violation Code 555

Resolving Violation Code 555 involves specific steps to ensure the lead hazard has been properly addressed. Here’s what property owners must do:

1. Correct the Lead Hazard
   The property owner must remove or cover the peeling lead paint in an HPD-approved manner, following lead-safe work practices to prevent contamination. This includes thorough cleaning to eliminate any remaining lead dust or paint chips.
2. Arrange an HPD Inspection
   Once the work is completed, the owner must schedule an inspection with HPD to confirm that the lead hazard has been fully remediated according to regulatory standards.
3. Submit a Dismissal Request
   After HPD’s inspection, the property owner must file a Dismissal Request form with the required fee and provide detailed documentation about the remediation work and cleanup process. This documentation is essential to verify compliance and formally close the violation.

How Lead and Mold Detectives Can Help

Addressing a Violation Code 555 lead hazard can be complex and time-sensitive. At Lead and Mold Detectives, we offer expert support to help property owners resolve lead-based paint violations efficiently and stay in compliance with HPD regulations.

Our services include:

• Lead Hazard Inspections and Testing
  We conduct thorough inspections to identify lead-based paint hazards in high-risk areas. Using certified testing methods, we ensure accurate identification of lead hazards in the building.
• Lead Remediation and Abatement
  Our team provides safe, HPD-approved remediation services to remove or cover lead-based paint hazards effectively. We follow all lead-safe protocols to ensure tenant safety and regulatory compliance.
• Violation Resolution and Documentation
  We assist property owners with all necessary documentation and handle the Dismissal Request submission, ensuring all steps are completed for proper violation closure with HPD.

Safeguarding Your Property and Tenants’ Health

By addressing HPD Violation Code 555 promptly, property owners not only avoid severe financial penalties but also protect the health and safety of their tenants. At Lead and Mold Detectives, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of lead hazard compliance, keeping your property safe and legally compliant.

If you’re dealing with a lead-based paint violation or want to take proactive steps to prevent one, reach out to us today for a consultation or inspection.