How to Talk to Your Landlord About Radon
If you rent your home or apartment, radon is still your concern, but fixing it is your landlord's responsibility. That creates a conversation most tenants are not sure how to start. This guide walks you through how to raise the issue, what your rights are, and what to do if your landlord is unresponsive.
Step 1: Test first, then talk
Before you approach your landlord, get a number. A short-term radon test kit costs about $15, takes 48 hours, and gives you an objective result that moves the conversation from "I'm worried about radon" to "my home tested at X pCi/L, which is above the EPA action level."
Place the kit in the lowest level of the rental where you spend time, whether ground floor or basement. Follow standard placement rules: at least 20 inches off the floor, away from windows and exterior doors, under closed-house conditions.
- •If the result is below 2 pCi/L, you are in good shape. Retest in two years.
- •If the result is between 2 and 4 pCi/L, consider a follow-up long-term test.
- •If the result is above 4 pCi/L, it is time to talk to your landlord.
Keep the lab report. You will want the documentation if the conversation goes anywhere formal.
Step 2: How to raise it
Most landlords are not trying to avoid radon. They have simply never thought about it. A calm, informative approach works better than an adversarial one. Frame it as a health and safety issue, not a complaint.
What to include in your message
- •Your test result and the date it was conducted.
- •A brief explanation that the EPA recommends action at 4 pCi/L.
- •A request that the landlord test professionally or arrange for mitigation.
- •A note that mitigation systems typically cost $800–$2,000 and are a one-time fix.
Put the request in writing. Email is fine. A written record matters if the issue escalates. Keep the tone factual and cooperative.
An objective number is harder to dismiss than a general concern. "My test came back at 6.2 pCi/L" is more effective than "I'm worried about radon."
Mention that the EPA recommends mitigation at 4 pCi/L. Link to epa.gov/radon if helpful.
"A certified contractor can install a mitigation system for $800–$2,000" is more actionable than "you need to fix this."
A professional test? Mitigation? A timeline? Specificity gets results.
Step 3: Know your rights
Radon-specific landlord-tenant laws vary by state. Some key points:
- •Habitability standards. Most states require landlords to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition. Whether elevated radon violates habitability depends on your state's specific laws and case history.
- •Disclosure requirements. Some states require landlords to disclose known radon test results to tenants. If your landlord has previously tested and did not disclose, that may be a violation.
- •State radon programs. Many state radon offices provide guidance for renters, including template letters and information about tenant rights. Contact yours. They are usually within the state health or environment department.
- •Local health departments. If your landlord is unresponsive, your local health department may be able to intervene or provide additional leverage.
What if your landlord will not act
If your landlord refuses to address elevated radon after a documented request, you have a few options depending on your state:
- •File a complaint. Contact your state radon office or local health department. Some jurisdictions have enforcement mechanisms for indoor air quality issues.
- •Consult a tenant rights organization. Many areas have free or low-cost legal aid for housing issues. A letter from a legal aid attorney often changes the calculus for landlords.
- •Document everything. Keep copies of your test results, correspondence, and any responses (or lack thereof). A paper trail is essential if you pursue formal action.
- •Consider your lease. In some states, a failure to maintain habitable conditions may give you grounds to break a lease or withhold rent for repairs. This varies significantly by jurisdiction, so get legal advice before taking either step.
The practical reality: most landlords, when presented with a clear test result and a reasonable mitigation cost, will address the issue. It is cheaper to install a system than to deal with the legal and reputational consequences of ignoring a documented health hazard.
If you are in a multi-unit building, other tenants may be affected too. A collective request from multiple units carries more weight than one tenant asking alone.
Need a test kit to get started? See Tipper's picks. All include the lab fee and cost about $15.
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