Underground Oil Tanks in Oregon: What Sellers Should Know

Older Oregon homes—especially around Portland—sometimes still have underground heating-oil tanks (HOTs). I see them more often than you’d think. If you’re selling, here’s the simple version of what to do and how to keep your sale on track.

Have questions right now?
Call/text LizBeth • Real Estate Broker • 503-757-1869• Lizbeth@treecityhomes.com

Do you have a tank?

• Tank locate: Hire a locator to scan the property and confirm.

• Records search: Check PortlandMaps for heating-oil tank permits/notes and pull any documents you find.

Pro tip: If your home was built before 1950, schedule a tank locate before going on the market. It’s faster and cheaper to solve this up front than under contract.

If a tank is present: your two paths

1) Clean soils → standard decommission

• Step A: An environmental contractor takes soil samples around the tank.

• Step B: If there’s no contamination, they decommission the tank and file certification with DEQ.

• Budget: Typical clean, straightforward decommissions often land in the $2,500–$3,500 range (simple sites may be slightly lower; complex sites higher).

• What buyers want: A DEQ certification letter in your disclosure packet. It smooths underwriting and builds confidence.

2) Contamination found → report, clean, then certify

• What happens: The contractor reports the release, remediates the soil, and documents the work.

• Timing: Start promptly—results and notices have time windows, and buyers/lenders usually require DEQ documentation before closing.

• Budget: Highly variable depending on the extent of soil impact. Your contractor will outline the scope and costs.

Simple Seller Checklist (copy/paste)

1. Run a tank locate and pull public records (PortlandMaps).

2. If a tank is found, hire a DEQ-licensed contractor to sample soils.

3. Clean soils? Proceed with decommission + DEQ certification (save that letter).

4. Contamination? Let the contractor handle reporting/cleanup, then obtain DEQ certification.

5. Disclose everything to buyers and include the certification with your listing docs.

How I help sellers

• Upfront plan: I’ll coordinate tank locate + records pulls.

• Bids & timelines: I bring in reputable environmental firms for quotes, realistic timelines, and next-step guidance.

• Pricing strategy: If we need work done, I advise on list price, credits, or timing so you still attract strong buyers.

• Contract navigation: I ensure the right documents reach the buyer and lender—no surprises at closing.

Want a quick game plan?
Book a 15-minute call: 503-757-1869

FAQs

Do I have to remove the tank?
If the tank is out of service, it must be properly decommissioned in accordance with DEQ standards. A licensed HOT contractor will handle the sampling, decommission, and certification.

Can I sell “as-is”?
Buyers and lenders usually want DEQ documentation. If contamination is present, cleanup and certification typically come before closing.

How long does this take?
Clean-soil decommissions can be fairly quick once scheduled. Contamination adds time for reporting, excavation, backfill, and DEQ sign-off. We’ll build the right timeline into your listing strategy.

What if my home isn’t in Portland?
The same basics apply statewide. I coordinate with local contractors familiar with your city/county requirements.

Thinking of selling an older home?
Let’s confirm whether a tank exists, line up bids if needed, and map out the fastest path to a clean closing.

Contact LizBeth Abbott• Real Estate Principal Broker
503-757-1869 • Lizbeth@treecityhomes.com • Service areas: Portland Metro, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and nearby communities