Planning radon questions for a condominium unit
Navigate the unique challenges of addressing indoor radon hazards when purchasing a condominium unit under Illinois law and disclosure requirements.
The short answer
The Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act does not typically cover common elements of a condominium. When evaluating a unit, ask specifically about the building's management policy on radon testing and whether the individual unit or common basement areas have been assessed by an IEMA-licensed professional to ensure transparency beyond the standard disclosure form.
Scope of Disclosure in Condominiums
Standard disclosure reports focus on the unit itself. Because condo common elements like foundations or basements are often shared, these may not be fully covered by an individual seller's disclosure.
Ask the seller or homeowners association (HOA) for any documentation regarding environmental assessments performed on common areas.
Identifying Radon Responsibility
Radon can enter through basement levels or slab foundations. If your unit is on a lower level, it is particularly important to distinguish between unit-specific testing and building-wide mitigation.
Confirm if the association has implemented any mitigation strategies for the building structure.
Researching Professional Guidance
When individual documentation is missing, contact the IEMA-OHS information line to understand current state protocols for multi-unit buildings.
Use the provided information to draft specific questions for the seller regarding the history of any environmental testing conducted during their ownership.
Illustrative Unit Planning
Hypothetical Scenario: A buyer is looking at a ground-floor condo. The seller provides no radon report. The buyer should not assume the HOA covers this.
Planning Action: Ask the property manager for the HOA's records on environmental safety and, if none exist, seek permission to conduct a test within the unit's boundary.
Checklist
- Inquire if the condo association has ever tested common areas for radon.
- Ask the seller for any records of testing within the specific unit.
- Review meeting minutes of the HOA for discussions on building environmental health.
- Consult the IEMA-OHS website for protocols specific to multi-unit properties.
- Clarify with legal counsel if you have the right to test common foundation areas.
Common questions
Are condo common elements included in the seller's disclosure?
Generally, the disclosure form is not intended to cover common elements of a condominium. You may need to investigate the HOA's records for information on these shared spaces.
Can I test only my own condo unit?
Yes, you can typically perform a test within your own unit. However, a low result in your unit does not necessarily mean the entire building's structure is free of radon.
Sources
- Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure ActChecked October 12, 2026
- IEMA-OHS — Real estate radon guidanceChecked October 12, 2026
- EPA — Real estate lead-hazard disclosuresChecked October 12, 2026
- FEMA — Flood mapsChecked October 12, 2026
This guide is general educational content from SQFT IO, prepared with AI assistance. It is not legal, tax or loan advice. Talk with a licensed attorney, tax professional or lender about your situation. SQFT IO Illinois license 478.027617.