Radon Disclosure Requirements When Selling a Home in Massachusetts
Radon Disclosure in Massachusetts Real Estate Transactions
Massachusetts requires sellers to disclose known radon testing results and any history of radon mitigation when selling a home. This disclosure is typically part of the seller's property disclosure statement.
If you have previously tested your home for radon, you are required to share those results with potential buyers. If a mitigation system is installed, you should disclose the installation date, the name of the installer, and any follow-up test results.
What Buyers Should Know
If you are buying a home in Massachusetts, request a radon test during the inspection period. Massachusetts is in EPA Zone 1, which means the area has high radon potential. A professional radon test costs $125 to $350 and takes 2 to 7 days.
If the test shows levels above 4 pCi/L, you have several options:
- Ask the seller to install a mitigation system before closing
- Negotiate a price reduction or closing credit to cover mitigation costs
- Accept the results and install mitigation yourself after closing
Radon mitigation in Massachusetts costs $800 to $2500. A properly installed system reduces radon by 80% to 99%, so elevated radon should not be a reason to walk away from an otherwise good home.
What Sellers Should Know
Proactive radon testing and mitigation can make your home more attractive to buyers. If you know your home has elevated radon and you install mitigation before listing, you can present the post-mitigation test results showing safe levels. This removes radon as a negotiation point and speeds up the closing process.
The cost of mitigation ($800 to $2500) is typically less than the price reduction a buyer would negotiate if they discover elevated radon during inspection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Massachusetts require radon disclosure?
Yes. Massachusetts requires sellers to disclose known radon test results and any history of radon mitigation during real estate transactions.
Do I need a radon test to sell my house in Massachusetts?
While Massachusetts does not require you to test before selling, you must disclose any known radon results. Most buyers will request a radon test as part of their home inspection.
Who pays for radon mitigation in a home sale?
This is negotiable. In most transactions, the seller either installs mitigation before closing or provides a credit to the buyer. The typical cost of mitigation ($800 to $2,500) is small relative to the home price and rarely causes deals to fall through.