Guide
Selling a Pre-1978 Home in NY: Lead Disclosure
Published by Onondaga Lead Services Updated June 23, 2026
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Lead rules depend on your specific property and situation. Confirm details with the linked government sources, and rely on a licensed contractor or attorney for advice about your case.
Selling an older home in New York comes with a federal lead paint step that catches some sellers by surprise. If your home was built before 1978, you have specific disclosure duties before the sale closes. This guide walks through them and links to the official sources. When it helps, you can get a lead paint inspection to go into the sale informed.
What the federal Lead Disclosure Rule requires of sellers
Under Section 1018 of Title X, enforced by the EPA and HUD, before a buyer is obligated under a sales contract for most housing built before 1978 the seller must:
- Disclose any known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the home.
- Provide the buyer with any available records and reports about lead in the home.
- Give the buyer the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.
- Include a lead warning statement and the required disclosures in the sales contract.
- Keep the signed acknowledgment as part of the records for the transaction.
The full requirements are on the EPA real estate disclosure page.
The buyer's 10-day inspection window
For sales, the seller must give the buyer a 10-day period (or another period both sides agree to in writing) to conduct a lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment. The buyer can use it or waive it. As a seller, knowing your home's lead status before listing can help you avoid surprises during this window.
How an inspection helps sellers
- You can disclose accurately instead of guessing.
- You can decide whether to address anything before listing.
- You reduce the chance of a deal stalling during the buyer's inspection period.
A lead paint inspection or lead paint test gives you that picture. We connect you with a licensed contractor; we do not perform the work or give legal advice about your sale.
Verify the details
Lead disclosure intersects with your contract and financing, so confirm specifics with the EPA Lead Disclosure Rule and your real estate professional or attorney before you list.