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Radon in Colorado Real Estate Transactions: What Buyers, Sellers, and Landlords Need to Know
- Heather GardensBrokers
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in floors and walls. In Colorado, where elevated radon levels are common, understanding how radon impacts real estate transactions is essential for buyers, sellers, and landlords. Colorado law mandates specific disclosures and actions related to radon, aiming to protect public health and ensure transparency in property dealings.
🏠 Radon Disclosure Requirements for Sellers
Under Colorado law, sellers must disclose any known information about radon levels in the property. This includes:
Whether radon testing has been conducted.
The results of any radon tests.
Details of any radon mitigation systems installed.
The most recent brochure from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) advising on radon in real estate transactions.
Sellers are required to provide this information to buyers, ensuring that potential health risks are communicated transparently. Colorado General Assembly
🧪 Radon Testing: A Crucial Step for Buyers
While Colorado law doesn't mandate radon testing, the CDPHE strongly recommends that all home buyers conduct an indoor radon test before purchasing residential real property. Testing helps determine if radon levels exceed the recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If elevated levels are found, mitigation is advised to reduce health risks. Justia
Radon testing should be performed by a certified radon measurement professional to ensure accuracy. These professionals use approved devices and follow protocols to obtain reliable results. Boulder County
🏢 Landlord Obligations Regarding Radon
Colorado law requires landlords to provide tenants with specific radon-related information before signing a lease. This includes:
A warning statement about the dangers of radon and the need for testing.
Disclosure of any known radon test results or mitigation efforts.
The most recent CDPHE brochure on radon in residential real estate transactions.
Tenants must acknowledge receipt of this information in writing. If a landlord fails to provide these disclosures or does not mitigate elevated radon levels within 180 days after notification, tenants may have the right to void the lease, depending on its duration. dre.colorado.gov
🛠️ Radon Mitigation: Addressing Elevated Levels
If radon levels exceed the recommended action level, mitigation is necessary. The most common and effective method is active soil depressurization, which involves installing a vent pipe system and fan to draw radon from beneath the house and vent it outside. Other methods may include sealing cracks and openings in the foundation. Mitigation systems typically cost between $800 and $1,500 and can be installed within a day. Wikipedia
It's important to retest the property after mitigation to ensure that radon levels have been reduced to acceptable levels. Regular maintenance and monitoring are also recommended to maintain the effectiveness of the mitigation system.
📘 Resources for Further Information
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE): Offers resources and guidance on radon testing and mitigation.
National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP): Provides a directory of certified radon measurement professionals.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Offers information on radon and its health risks.
Understanding radon and its implications in real estate transactions is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of occupants. By adhering to Colorado's disclosure requirements and taking proactive steps in testing and mitigation, parties involved in real estate transactions can make informed decisions and address potential radon risks effectively.
Heather Gardens and HG Brokers can help you navigate the process.
Give us a call at: 720 641 9800 or stop in at 3300 S Parker Rd, Ste 101, Aurora, CO 80014