Radon Testing When Buying or Selling a Utah County Home

Does Utah require a radon test to sell a home?

No state law requires a radon test for a sale. But Utah’s Seller’s Property Disclosure asks: “Hazardous Conditions: Are there any hazardous conditions on the Property such as Radon gas in house or well?” (Utah DEQ, Radon & Real Estate).

How a real-estate radon test works

• Short-term test devices are placed for a minimum of 48 hours.
• Windows and doors stay closed (except normal entry and exit) for at least 12 hours before and during the test.
• The device goes in the lowest area of the home that is “suitable for occupancy,” at least 20 inches above the floor, where it won’t be disturbed.
• Crawl spaces are not appropriate test locations; bathrooms and kitchens are not good locations.

Source: Utah DEQ. Note: Utah County Health’s loaner radon monitor “is not suitable for real estate transactions”; it points agents to radon testers listed at Radon.Utah.gov (Utah County Health).

Fitting the test into your REPC due diligence

In the Utah Real Estate Purchase Contract, the buyer’s due diligence includes “any other tests, evaluations and verifications of the Property deemed necessary or appropriate by Buyer.” If results are unacceptable, the buyer may cancel or resolve objections in writing with the seller no later than the Due Diligence Deadline (Utah REPC form, 2023 version). The deadline is a date the parties fill in, so schedule the 48-hour test early. Check the REPC version you actually sign.

Who pays for the test, and for mitigation?

The test: usually the buyer, as negotiated. Mitigation: whatever the buyer and seller agree in writing. Mitigation systems typically cost $1,500 to $2,000 (Utah DEQ; see our cost guide).

If the result is 4 pCi/L or higher

Utah DEQ and the EPA suggest considering mitigation at 4 pCi/L or higher (Utah DEQ). See what to do next and how mitigation works.

Sellers: should you pre-test?

Testing before listing tells you what you’ll be disclosing and gives you time to fix a high result before a buyer’s deadline. Utah DEQ notes pre-testing can save time during a transaction (source).

FAQ

Is radon testing required to sell a home in Utah?

Utah does not require a radon test for a home sale. Utah’s seller property disclosure asks whether there are hazardous conditions such as radon gas in the house or well. (Utah DEQ)

How long does a real estate radon test take?

Utah DEQ says short-term test devices are placed for a minimum of 48 hours, with closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before and during the test.

Where should the radon test be placed?

In the lowest area of the home that is suitable for occupancy, at least 20 inches above the floor. Crawl spaces are not appropriate, and bathrooms and kitchens are not good locations. (Utah DEQ)

Who pays for the radon test?

Usually the buyer, as negotiated in the purchase contract.

What if the radon result is 4 pCi/L or higher?

Utah DEQ and the EPA suggest considering mitigation at 4 pCi/L or higher. Buyers and sellers can resolve objections in writing within the contract’s due diligence period.

Local pages: Lehi · Provo · Orem · American Fork · Saratoga Springs · Eagle Mountain · Radon testing

Testing your own home outside a sale? See where to get a radon test kit.

Utah Radon Quotes is a free referral service, not a contractor. We connect Utah County homeowners with independent radon contractors; we do not perform testing or mitigation work ourselves. This page is general information, not legal or real-estate advice.