What the law says
Rhode Island's real estate disclosure law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20.8-2) lists radon among the items a seller's disclosure has to address, with space for prior testing and the company that did it. The statute also requires this notice to buyers:
"Radon has been determined to exist in the State of Rhode Island. Testing for the presence of radon in residential real estate prior to purchase is advisable."
The law doesn't require a seller to test before listing, and it doesn't require a system to be installed before a sale. It requires disclosure, and it tells buyers that testing is a good idea.
If you're buying
- Ask for a radon test as part of your inspections. Your purchase agreement sets how long you have, so raise it early.
- A short-term test of two to four days is the usual choice in a sale. For home sales, the Department of Health advises averaging two test results.
- Use a certified testing business so both sides can rely on the number.
- A past result on the disclosure is useful, but levels change. A test from years ago, or from before a renovation, isn't a substitute for a current one.
- If the result is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, the common options are asking the seller to install a system before closing, negotiating a credit, or planning to install one yourself after you move in. That is a negotiation between you and the seller, usually with your agent or attorney.
If you're selling
- Disclose what you know. If the home was tested, say so, and share the result.
- Testing before you list means no surprises during the buyer's inspection period.
- If you already have a system, gather the paperwork: who installed it, when, and any test results from after it went in. Buyers will ask.
- A high result doesn't have to end a sale. A mitigation system is a routine fix.
Short on time?
Put your closing date on the request form. It helps to know up front whether you need a test this week or a system installed before a deadline.
More on how testing works.