Radon is a serious issue that can affect any home in any state. Regardless of the age of your home, radon can seep through the cracks and accumulate to hazardous levels, leaving you and your family vulnerable to radon poisoning. Radon laws vary state by state, and Illinois has some of the more comprehensive radon legislation in place to protect its residents. .
Law to Protect Renters
January 1, 2012 – People who rent apartments, condos or homes must be provided information about whether a radon test has been performed in their new rental property before they sign their lease. The Illinois General Assembly approved the Public Act 97-0021, which requires owners of rental properties to provide written documentation to every renter if the space has been tested for radon. If it has not been, the renter or the owner must have the home tested and make results available to the renter in writing.
Radon Testing in Day Care Centers
January 1, 2013 – This law states that both licensed day care centers and day care homes are required to test for radioactive radon gas. On January 1, 2014, day care centers are mandated to show proof that the day care facility has been tested for radon within the last three years as part of their license application or renewal.
New Home Construction
June 1, 2013 – A passive radon pipe must be installed in new construction of single-family homes or dwellings containing two or fewer apartments, condos or town houses. The installation can be performed by one of the following:
- Residential building contractor
- Subcontractor
- Radon contractor
In Illinois, a radon mitigation fan can only be installed by a radon contractor who is licensed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Radon Awareness Act
January 1, 2008 – Sellers of a home are required to provide the potential home buyer with information regarding the dangers of radon exposure. This disclosure agreement must be signed by the buyer, seller, and realtor. However, homes do not need to be tested for radon prior to the sale, and radon remediation does not need to be performed if the test results indicate high radon.
