Radon for home buyers and sellers
Radon often comes up in the inspection period. Here's how to handle it on a deadline, in either state.
With radon this common in the Red River Valley, it's a routine part of buying and selling a house. Buyers test during the inspection period, and a high number often leads to a request that the seller install a system or offer a credit before closing.
What does Minnesota require of sellers?
The Minnesota Radon Awareness Act has applied to residential purchase agreements signed since January 1, 2014. Before signing, the seller must disclose in writing what they know about radon in the house: whether it's been tested, the most recent records, any levels found, and any mitigation system, with its documentation. The seller must also include a radon warning statement and give the buyer MDH's publication "Radon in Real Estate Transactions." MDH notes that the law does not require a test or mitigation. That matters in East Grand Forks and Crookston.
What about North Dakota?
ND DEQ's radon materials don't describe a radon disclosure rule like Minnesota's. Ask your agent what forms your purchase agreement uses, and treat a radon test as part of a normal inspection.
Tips for buyers
- Ask your inspector or agent who will run the radon test and what kind of device they use.
- If the house has a system, ask for the installer's paperwork and latest test, and check that the manometer shows suction. In Minnesota, look for the MDH tag by the gauge.
- If the number is high, your options include asking the seller to install a system, asking for a credit, or planning your own install after closing.
Tips for sellers
- Testing before you list avoids surprises in the inspection window.
- If you install a system, keep the paperwork and the post-install test result together.
- A working, documented system can make the inspection a non-event.
Testing during a sale
Real estate tests usually use a continuous monitor under closed-house conditions. Opening windows, running fans or moving the device can skew the result, and many monitors record tampering. Keep the house closed up for the length of the test.
Short timelines
Tell the radon company your inspection deadline and closing date when you call so they can line up the test, the install if it's needed, and the follow-up test.
Pricing comes from the radon company once it knows your foundation and has usually seen the house in person. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone is a rough starting point, not a bid.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Who pays for a radon system in a home sale?
It's negotiable. Sellers often install a system or give a credit after a high buyer's test. Your agent can advise you.
Do Minnesota sellers have to test for radon?
No. MDH says the Radon Awareness Act requires disclosure of what the seller knows, not a test or a system.
Related services
More background: Red River Valley radon guide.
Radon kit came back over 4?
Call and a local radon mitigation company will look at your house and quote a system.