Lead Hazard Control Program ("Lead Program")

Do you have lead paint in your home — or in a building you own and rent to tenants?

The City of Syracuse has a program that offers grants to help fix problems caused by lead-based paint. Together, we can help make homes for families safer.

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Facts about lead-based paint

  • Lead is common in older paints — most homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint
  • Breathing in or swallowing dust from lead-based paint can cause health, behavior or learning problems that do not appear right away.
  • Children are more likely to be exposed to lead paint and dust by putting their hands or objects into their mouth.
  • The only way to test for lead poisoning is with a blood test at the doctors.

Learn more about protecting children from lead.

Homeowners, renters, and landlords can all apply to the city’s Lead Hazard Control Program, also called the “Lead Program.” Our goals are to:

  • Create more lead-safe housing in low- and very low-income areas
  • Lower the number of children with raised (elevated) levels of lead in their blood
  • Teach families about the risks of lead

 

How can the Lead Program help me?

We offer grants that pay for experts to fix problems with lead paint in your home or in a house you own and rent out. These experts are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Depending on your home, they may:

  • Replace old doors, windows, and siding
  • Safely remove (remediate) lead-based paint hazards from your home
  • Cover up (encapsulate) lead-based paint, so it won’t be harmful

 

How do I know if my home has lead?

You need an expert such as the City's trained code enforcement officer, County Health staff, and external certified resources. to test your home for lead-based paint. Call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-3271 to learn more and see if you may be eligible for an inspection. Some people can get the inspection for free.

 

Learn more about lead inspections

How does the program work?

  • After you submit your application and necessary documents, you will get an answer from our office within two weeks.
  • If you’re accepted into the program, our partners in the Onondaga County Community Development Department will contact you by mailing you  a letter. They will then set up a time to inspect your home for lead.
  • After the inspection, experts will create a plan for how to fix the lead-based paint hazards in your home (called a “Scope of Work”).
  • We’ll choose a contractor who’s certified by the EPA to do the work in your home.
  • Your County inspector will work with you to schedule the repairs and complete them safely.
 

Who is eligible for the Lead Program?

Homeowners, renters, and landlords can all apply if you live in - or own and rent out - a home that:

  • Is in the City of Syracuse limits
  • Has hazards from lead-based paint
  • Was built before 1978
  • Was designed for 1 to 4 families
  • Is covered by a current homeowners insurance policy (and flood insurance, if it's in a designated flood zone)
  • Is up to date on mortgage payments and property taxes

 

Also, the people living in the property must:

There are some exceptions. For example, you may qualify even if you own a home that no one is living in. People who are behind on their taxes but are in a formal repayment agreement may also be considered. Please contact our office to talk more if you think an exception applies to you.

How do I apply?

Download the application(PDF, 1MB) and follow the instructions. You’ll need to make copies of other documents and send them in with your application.

When you’re done, email it to us or drop it off at:

NBD - City Hall Commons 
201 E Washington Street
Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13202 Suite 600

You can also have an application sent to you by mail. Just call 315-448-8710. 

Contact us!

Have questions?

We're happy to help. Call us at 315-448-8710 or email us at lead@syrgov.net 

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