What should I check before buying land that used to be a gas station?
I’m interested in buying a corner lot at a good price. The seller mentioned it was a gas station decades ago. Should that worry me?
1 lawyer answer
Former gas stations can carry risks of soil or groundwater contamination from underground storage tanks. In some legal systems, current owners can be responsible for cleanup costs even if they did not cause the contamination, so due diligence before purchase is important.
Common steps include:
- A Phase I environmental site assessment reviewing the site’s history and records
- Testing (often called a Phase II) if the Phase I raises concerns
- Checking agency records for tank removals and closure letters
- Negotiating contract protections such as indemnities, price adjustments or seller cleanup obligations
Proper due diligence may also help you qualify for certain legal defences available to purchasers. Talk to a lawyer before you sign the purchase contract.
This is general information, not legal advice — speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.
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