Cayuga County is offering a free two-day lead-abatement worker certification course Oct. 19 and 20 as officials anticipate greater demand for qualified contractors to address hazards in Auburn rental housing.
The Cayuga County Health Department’s Environmental Protection Agency training was highlighted during Thursday’s City Council meeting. The city’s course announcement says space is limited and registration is required.
The training is open to rental property owners and managers, landlords, maintenance workers, general contractors and other interested participants.
Eligible trades include painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, heating and cooling contractors, window installers and roofers.
Residents can register by calling the county health department at 315-253-1560. The department also expects additional training opportunities this fall and into spring 2027.
Registry focuses on older multifamily rentals
The training accompanies implementation of New York’s Lead Rental Registry in Auburn’s 13021 ZIP code, a designated community of concern.
State guidance says the program targets residential rental housing built before 1980 with two or more units. Covered properties must be registered and inspected, with identified hazards addressed before lead safety certification.
The program therefore does not apply uniformly to every rental home. Building age, unit count and location determine whether a property falls within its scope.
The state says the law took effect in designated communities Nov. 3, 2025. The October announcement concerns ongoing local implementation and training, rather than a new law adopted by Auburn council.
State tenant guidance calls for inspections at least every three years, with repairs when hazards are identified.
The program focuses on finding and correcting lead hazards in rental homes before children are exposed.
County has been preparing inspection staff
Cayuga County’s preparations also include inspection personnel.
We reported in September that a county legislative committee supported refilling an Environmental Health Technician position associated with the Lead Rental Registry. The fully grant-funded position performs inspections and field work.
That reporting identified the 13021 ZIP code as a community of concern because of its older housing and elevated blood lead levels among children.
The worker certification course is one part of the county’s effort to increase the number of people available to perform lead-abatement work as inspections identify properties needing attention.
Council took no vote on the registry or training Thursday. The announcement directed property owners, contractors and interested workers to the county health department.
For registration, course details or questions about how the registry applies to a Cayuga County property, call the department’s Lead Rental Registry team at 315-253-1560.
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