Selling or buying a home in Brooklyn Park and not sure what you have to disclose about radon? You are not alone. Radon is common in Minnesota homes, and state law sets clear rules for sharing what you know. In this guide, you will learn exactly what the law requires, how testing works during a sale, and the steps you can take to keep your deal on track. Let’s dive in.
Why radon matters in Brooklyn Park
Radon occurs naturally and can build up indoors. Minnesota sees higher radon levels than the national average, and roughly two in five Minnesota homes tested show levels at or above the recommended action level. You should not assume a home is safe or unsafe without testing. The Minnesota Department of Health’s Radon Data Portal shows Hennepin County in a higher‑potential area, which is why testing every home is advised (MDH Radon Data Portal).
Minnesota’s radon disclosure rule
Minnesota’s Radon Awareness Act requires sellers to provide a written radon disclosure before signing a purchase agreement. The rule applies to residential sales and transfers and sets out the exact items you must share (Minn. Stat. § 144.496).
What the disclosure must include
Your written disclosure must state:
- Whether any radon tests have been performed on the property.
- The most current radon test records or reports for the home.
- A description of any known radon concentrations, mitigation, or remediation.
- Documentation for any mitigation system, including system description, available tags, warranties, and operation and maintenance instructions.
- The required radon warning statement and the Minnesota Department of Health’s two‑page publication for real estate transactions (MDH: Radon in Real Estate).
When you must deliver it
You must give the disclosure to the buyer before anyone signs the purchase agreement. Delivery to the buyer’s licensed real estate agent counts as delivery to the buyer under the statute (Minn. Stat. § 144.496).
Liability for not disclosing
If you know material facts about radon concentrations and do not disclose them, you can be civilly liable. The statute allows buyers to seek damages and equitable relief, but it does not automatically void the sale (Minn. Stat. § 144.496).
Testing during a sale
Testing and mitigation are not automatically required to close. They are common negotiation items. MDH recommends testing in every transaction so buyers and sellers have clear information (MDH: Radon in Real Estate).
Who should test
For real estate deals, MDH recommends using Minnesota‑licensed radon measurement professionals. This helps ensure unbiased results that follow approved protocols. You can find licensed measurement and mitigation pros through MDH’s directory (Find a Radon Professional).
How tests work
Real estate tests follow closed‑house conditions. Two common options are a 48‑hour continuous radon monitor placed by a licensed professional or simultaneous short‑term tests when timing is tight. After mitigation, a follow‑up test confirms the system is working (MDH: Radon in Real Estate).
What results mean
- The EPA’s action level is 4.0 pCi/L. MDH recommends mitigation at or above this level and suggests considering mitigation between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L. There is no safe level of radon; lower is better for long‑term health (EPA: Action Level).
If a mitigation system exists
Ask for and keep system documentation. Licensed mitigation professionals must provide operation and maintenance guidance, system tags for qualifying installs, and post‑mitigation test results. As a buyer, request the most recent results and retest after closing to confirm ongoing performance (MDH: Mitigation System Info).
Buyer checklist
- Ask for the written radon disclosure and the MDH publication before signing the purchase agreement (Minn. Stat. § 144.496).
- Request a transaction test by a Minnesota‑licensed measurement professional, or plan to test right after closing if you waived inspection (MDH: Radon in Real Estate).
- If levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher, negotiate mitigation or credits based on the results.
- If a system exists, request documentation, tags, warranties, and post‑mitigation test results (MDH: Mitigation System Info).
Seller checklist
- Gather all radon test records and system documentation before listing.
- Complete the written radon disclosure and include the required warning statement and MDH publication (Minn. Stat. § 144.496).
- Be ready to accommodate transaction testing under closed‑house conditions.
- If mitigation was done, provide tags, installer details, operation and maintenance instructions, and post‑mitigation test results.
Local data and resources
- Review county and neighborhood context using the MDH Radon Data Portal with Hennepin County maps and measures (MDH Radon Data Portal).
- Understand MDH’s guidance for testing, acceptable methods, and transaction protocols (MDH: Radon in Real Estate).
- Confirm action levels and risk context from the EPA (EPA: Action Level).
- Verify professional licensing requirements and standards for measurement and mitigation providers (MDH: Licensing).
Ready to move forward with a Brooklyn Park sale or purchase and want a clear plan for disclosures, testing, and negotiations? Get a local, step‑by‑step approach that protects your interests and keeps your timeline on track. Reach out to Kyle Babcock for guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
What is required in a Brooklyn Park home sale radon disclosure?
- Sellers must provide a written disclosure before signing the purchase agreement that includes testing history, the most current reports, any mitigation details, system documentation, and the MDH warning statement and publication (Minn. Stat. § 144.496).
When do Minnesota sellers have to deliver the radon disclosure?
- The disclosure must be delivered before the purchase agreement is signed, and delivery to the buyer’s real estate agent counts as delivery to the buyer (Minn. Stat. § 144.496).
Are sellers required to fix high radon levels in Minnesota?
- No, mitigation is not automatic; testing and mitigation are negotiable in the transaction, though MDH recommends mitigation at or above 4.0 pCi/L (MDH: Radon in Real Estate).
How long does radon testing take during a home sale?
- A professional continuous radon monitor test typically runs for at least 48 hours under closed‑house conditions; simultaneous short‑term tests are another option when time is limited (MDH: Radon in Real Estate).
Who can perform radon mitigation in Minnesota?
- MDH‑licensed mitigation professionals and companies perform mitigation work and must follow state standards, provide system documentation, and support post‑mitigation testing (MDH: Licensing).
