In Minnesota, buying a home often comes with visions of peaceful lakes, welcoming neighborhoods, and a place to put down roots. But for some buyers, a hidden problem has been surfacing, PFAS contamination. This issue has been making headlines and creating real concerns for homeowners across the state.
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in products like firefighting foam and certain industrial coatings. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they stay in the environment for decades. In parts of Minnesota, these substances have made their way into groundwater and private wells. For a buyer, that can mean more than an environmental concern, it can become a serious legal and financial issue. That’s where working with a trusted Minnesota law firm such as Lommen Abdo is so important.
Table of Contents
Why PFAS Matters When You’re Buying a Home
If you’ve found a home that feels perfect, the right location, budget, and style, PFAS contamination might not be on your radar. But if the property’s water supply is affected, the impact can be long-lasting. Contamination can lower property values, require costly filtration systems, and raise health concerns for anyone living there.
Under Real Estate Law Minnesota, contamination can also complicate financing, insurance, and future resale. Lenders may hesitate to approve a mortgage, and future buyers might think twice once they learn about a contamination history.
What Minnesota Sellers Must Disclose
Minnesota law requires sellers to share known environmental problems with potential buyers. If PFAS contamination is known, it has to be disclosed. But “known” is the key word, sellers aren’t required to test or investigate on their own. That means contamination could still be present even if it’s not mentioned.
Because of this, buyers should never assume no news is good news. An attorney experienced in Real Estate Law Minnesota knows how to check environmental records, reach out to local agencies, and push for the information you need before committing to a purchase.
How Buyers Can Protect Themselves
Before you close on a home, it’s worth going beyond a basic inspection. A legal team familiar with PFAS issues can help you:
At Lommen Abdo, we’ve seen how early checks save clients from big headaches later. A little extra care before you buy can prevent years of costly cleanup and disputes.
If PFAS Contamination Is Discovered
Finding PFAS during the buying process doesn’t always mean walking away. Buyers and sellers can sometimes work out a deal. This could involve lowering the price, requiring the seller to install a filtration system, or setting aside funds to cover future cleanup.
An attorney who understands both environmental and real estate law can guide these talks so you’re not left covering a problem you didn’t cause. After closing, the responsibility often falls on the new owner, even if the contamination started long before they arrived.
Why Legal Experience Makes a Difference
PFAS-related real estate issues aren’t simple. They involve environmental science, property law, and sometimes even municipal rules. Not all Minnesota Law Firms handle cases like these, which is why it’s important to work with one that does.
At Lommen Abdo, we combine real estate experience with environmental awareness. We work with experts who can interpret test results, trace contamination sources, and find funding or assistance programs for affected properties. That combination helps buyers make informed decisions with confidence.
Final Thoughts for Minnesota Homebuyers
PFAS contamination isn’t the first thing most people think of when they start house hunting, but in parts of Minnesota, it’s a real concern. Whether you’re buying a cabin up north, a home near the Twin Cities, or farmland in southern Minnesota, it’s worth looking into the property’s environmental history.
A clean inspection report doesn’t always mean there’s no contamination. Adding environmental checks to your due diligence can protect your health, your investment, and your peace of mind. And if contamination is found, the right legal advice can help you navigate your options.
With experienced guidance from Minnesota law firms like Lommen Abdo, you can move forward knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect yourself from hidden legal risks.
