The New York State Rental Registry law helps protect families from lead exposure in rental housing in communities that are most at risk. [PHL Art.13, Title 10, §1377]
Property owners with two or more rental units in a “community of concern” are now required to register their properties through a rental registry and obtain a lead safety certificate.
The goal is to prevent dangerous lead exposure before children are harmed by helping to ensure rental housing is lead safe.
If you own a residential rental property with two or more units in the City of Poughkeepsie with a 12601 zip code, that was built before 1980, you are REQUIRED to register with the New York State Rental Registry and obtain a lead safety certificate.
Register your property in the Rental Registry. Once your application is approved, our staff will be conducting free visual inspections for affected properties and will call you directly to schedule your inspection. If you prefer to hire a private company, you may use an EPA‑certified Lead Risk Assessor and mail their report to our office. Owners who choose to conduct their own inspections must be EPA‑trained and certified as Lead Risk Assessors.
You may qualify for certain owner‑occupied or family‑occupied exemptions under New York State regulations, which can remove the need for an inspection. If you believe you meet the criteria, please complete the New York State exemption form and email it to rentalregistry@dutchessny.gov.
If no lead hazards are found at your inspection, our staff will review the results and outline the next steps for your specific situation, as requirements can differ by property. The goal of this process is to issue your Lead Safety Certificate, confirming the unit is lead safe.
If lead hazards are found at your inspection, they must be remediated by a contractor that has either of the below certifications:
Use the EPA’s Lead-Safe Certified Firm Search to find qualified contractors. In Dutchess County, Hudson River Housing offers grant funding that may help cover remediation cost
Learn more with this Rental Registry Property Owner FAQ.
Many homes built before 1978 contain lead‑based paint, and when that paint chips or turns into dust, it can create serious health risks especially for young children and pregnant people.
The Rental Registry Program supports renters through inspections, safety standards, and efforts to reduce lead hazards in rental homes. See the tenant flyer and New York State tenant materials for more information.
