Look for signs: a fill pipe or vent pipe protruding from the ground, oil delivery records to a former tank location, or a building permit history showing tank installation. If visual inspection is inconclusive, hire a company to perform a ground-penetrating radar scan ($500 - $1,500) - this non-invasive test can detect buried tanks without excavation. Address this before listing to avoid mid-transaction discoveries that give buyers maximum leverage.
This article provides general educational information only. It is not legal, tax, financial, insurance, compliance, housing, brokerage, or professional advice. Rules, tax rates, obligations, enforcement practices, and market conditions vary by property, building, contract, municipality, and jurisdiction, and they change. Sellers should consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or other appropriate professional before making decisions based on their specific situation.
From the seller playbook: Underground Oil Tank Disclosure and Remediation for Sellers
This is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Every situation is different. Talk to a licensed attorney, accountant or tax professional before you act.
More questions on this topic
List for free, or go full service for 1%.
Use the playbook yourself, or let us run pricing, marketing and negotiation.