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HB 7513

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- REAL ESTATE SALES DISCLOSURES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 6 co-sponsors

Requires radon testing in most residential home sales; sellers pay for tests and any mitigation, with mandated disclosure and pre-closing retesting to ensure safety.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7513

Overview

HB 7513 (Rhode Island, 2026) would require radon testing and, if needed, radon mitigation for most residential real estate transactions, with the seller bearing the costs. The bill governs testing timelines, disclosure to parties involved, and responsibilities for remediation and retesting prior to closing. Certain transactions are exempt from testing. The act would take effect upon passage.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve public health and safety by ensuring homes sold for residential purposes are tested for radon and mitigated if unsafe levels are found.
  • Establish a standardized process for radon testing, disclosure, and mitigation in residential real estate transactions.
  • Shift cost responsibilities to the selling party, with protections and options for buyers to conduct additional tests at their expense.

Key provisions

Definitions

  • Radon: Natural radioactive gas from soil, rock, or water.
  • Radon test: A measurement using a device, executed by a certified/licensed individual per § 23-61-5 and device-specific protocols.
  • Residential real estate transaction: Sale of property intended for residential use (includes single-family, duplexes, multi-family homes, apartment complexes). Excludes non-residential commercial properties and certain tourist/transient residential properties.
  • Unsafe radon levels: Radon at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

Transactions exempt from testing

Radon testing is not required for:
- Foreclosure-related transfers (lender or affiliate acquiring via foreclosure or deed in lieu)
- Sheriff’s/tax sale, court-appointed trustee sale, or foreclosure partitions
- Transfers where the home is to be converted to non-residential use or demolition
- Transfers by will or intestate inheritance

Mandatory radon testing and disclosure (for applicable transactions)

  • A radon test must be conducted no more than one year before the closing date.
  • Test results (including any prior tests within the one-year window) must be provided to:
    • Selling and buying parties
    • Any lender designated by the buyers

Costs and access

  • The selling party bears the cost of the radon test.
  • If requested, the buyer may have an independent radon test at the buyer’s expense (separate from the mandatory test).

Mitigation requirements

  • If testing shows unsafe radon levels, a radon mitigation system must be installed by a certified/licensed professional before closing.
  • The selling party pays all costs associated with installing the mitigation system.
  • After mitigation, a follow-up radon test must be performed before closing to verify effectiveness. The selling party pays for this retest.
  • The buyer may also request an additional test at the buyer’s expense.

Affected parties

  • Sellers of residential real estate: primary cost bearer for testing and mitigation; responsible for post-mitigation retesting.
  • Buyers of residential real estate: may incur additional testing costs if they request extra tests; benefit from safer, mitigated homes and mandated disclosure.
  • Lenders: notified and provided with radon test results if designated by buyers.
  • Certified/licensed radon professionals: engaged to perform testing and mitigation.

Timelines and implementation

  • Testing must occur within one year prior to closing.
  • Mitigation must be completed prior to closing if unsafe radon levels are detected.
  • Post-mitigation retesting must occur before closing to confirm effectiveness.
  • Effective date: upon passage of the act.

Potential impact

  • Increases upfront costs for sellers (testing and possible mitigation), but reduces risk of latent health issues for occupants.
  • Improves transparency in real estate transactions through mandated disclosure of radon conditions.
  • Establishes standardized procedures for radon testing and remediation, potentially affecting appraisal and closing timelines due to required steps.
  • May incent more buyers to pursue homes with proven safe radon levels, while offering optional additional testing at buyer expense.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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