R.F. from Litchfield County writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Who’s responsible to pay for radon mitigation? Association or Condo Owner?
Mister Condo replies:
R.F., I am sorry you have a radon problem in your condo and that it is unclear who should pay for that mitigation. As with most items that require additional clarity, you should first look to your declaration and governing documents to see if there is any mention of radon detection and mitigation. My guess is that you won’t find anything but it doesn’t hurt to check. The next item to consider is where is the radon found and is the association responsible? My guess is that the radon is found in the air inside of your unit. For the most part, that would make the mitigation of such radon the unit owner’s responsibility. An exception might be if the radon were found in a common area like a storage area or crawlspace, in which case the expense for mitigation may fall upon the association. So if the radon is found in your basement and the basement is part of your unit, the mitigation expense is likely yours as well. Hope that helps!
Condo Association Radon Mitigation: https://t.co/1W25Tq2Miw
As a Radon Mitigation and Testing / Measurement contractor for 30 years, I have come across this matter. I have been involved in radon mitigation directed by HOA, Management companies, Buyers and Sellers. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer as to who will pay. When dealing with HOA Boards, it may be at the discretion of those board members who are authorized to make decisions. I invite you to check out fortmyersradon.com for further education on radon testing and radon mitigation systems performed in Florida condominiums.
You made an “assumption” that IF you find a condo unit with radon in the air…..then you state that the homeowner is most likely responsible to address it! But that is a “strawman” argument. Doesn’t the HOA replace the “roofing” in condo complex because its a “common area” element? If you have a LEAK in the roof, who would pay to correct it? It would be the Home Owners Association”!
So radon gas emanates up into a unit from the OUTSIDE. If residents are responsible for everything INSIDE their walls and radon comes from the outside from the ground through cracks, around plumbing piping entrances, cinder block walls and wall cavities, you are basically standing at the front door and yelling “Hey all you Radon particles”, come in HERE!
I am going to have an issue of this nature. The Radon is emanating from the ground under the unit, which seems to be a common element. I will ask the Association to mitigate.
A radon mitigation technology makes it quick and easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn7NKRuGVlg&t=14s
http://daisyductless.com
Does Radon move from one single story attached condo to another? If a condo owner between two other units installs a Radon system does it have any affect on the other attached units. My condo has two outside walls at ground level.
D.G., I am not an expert or Radon or how it moves. My understanding is that it is just about everywhere but that the true concern for homeowners is if there is Radon detected in their living spaces. My advice would be to have a Radon test performed on your unit if you are concerned. From there, you can decide what steps, if any are needed for the Radon mitigation in your unit. all the best!