NEW YORK CITY — On Thursday, The Estate of Harry D. Silverstein will pay a $4 million penalty to settle allegations it violated federal lead paint safety laws in New York City apartments.

United States District Judge Dale E. Ho approved the Stipulation and Order of Settlement on October 21, 2026. At least 11 children tested positive for lead poisoning in buildings owned or managed by Harry D. Silverstein or his Estate after 2012.

Harry D. Silverstein owned, managed, and controlled more than 1,000 apartments in 14 New York City buildings constructed before 1978 until his death in 2016. The Estate of Harry D. Silverstein owned, managed, and controlled the apartments until selling them, with some sales occurring as late as 2020.

The Estate admits it could not locate evidence that Harry D. Silverstein provided required Lead Warning Statements or EPA-approved pamphlets to tenants. The Estate also failed to use certified contractors when disturbing painted surfaces that may contain lead paint.

"This Office is committed to protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers," U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said. "When landlords and renovators violate laws designed to protect children from lead poisoning, we will take action. Today’s penalty should put landlords and renovators on notice that violations of important federal lead paint safety laws will not be tolerated."

HUD Chief of Staff Drew McCall stated that "Landlords of homes built before 1978 must warn tenants about known lead. The defendant ignored this requirement, risking exposure of children to lead toxins and lead poisoning."

Acting HUD Inspector General Brian D. Harrison said, "HUD OIG has zero tolerance for landlords who place families at risk by failing to provide safe and healthy housing. There is no excuse for violating laws that protect children from preventable exposures to lead hazards." He added, "This settlement holds the Silverstein Estate accountable for its serious failures. HUD OIG will continue working alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, HUD, and EPA to aggressively pursue those who violate the law and to ensure our nation’s most vulnerable residents are protected."

What's New

The lawsuit relates to Silverstein's failure to make required disclosures to tenants in fourteen residential buildings entering into new and certain renewal leases about lead-based paint. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald, HUD Chief of Staff Drew McCall, and Acting HUD Inspector General Brian D. Harrison announced the settlement. Primary source: federalregister.gov