Radon Knowledge Base

Additional Renter and Student Housing Radon Questions

This page gathers additional renter, tenant, and student-housing questions about radon. The guidance is not legal advice and does not replace a lease, property-management process, campus housing process, or local housing guidance. It explains the radon side in practical terms: where testing usually matters, how lower-level rooms and soil contact can affect concern, and when a property may need mitigation review. American Radon Systems focuses on mitigation work, not tenant advocacy or legal decisions. If a landlord, property manager, or owner wants help with an elevated result, Bill can review the property and explain the system options.

Is my landlord required to test for radon?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My landlord says radon is my problem as the tenant. Is that right?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My lease says nothing about radon. Is that normal?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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Do renters have any paperwork rights when it comes to radon?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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Can I work through the next step radon testing or mitigation into my lease before I sign?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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Is my landlord legally required to fix radon in my apartment?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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Can I withhold rent because of high radon?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My landlord installed a radon mitigation system but didn't tell me or give me any info about it. Should they have?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My apartment lease says radon testing and mitigation are my responsibility as the tenant. Is that enforceable?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My state apparently has a radon disclosure rule. What does that actually require my landlord to do?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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Can I sue my landlord for not fixing radon?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I'm signing a new lease on a basement unit. Can I put a radon clause in the lease?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I'm graduating and moving out in three months. Is it worth pushing my landlord on radon for such a short time?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My HOA says they're not responsible for radon in my unit. Is that true?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I'm on a condo association board. We found out a ground-floor unit has radon at 5.8. What's our responsibility?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I want to break my lease because the radon is high and my landlord won't fix it. Can I do that?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I moved into a new apartment and found radon at 7.0 pCi/L within the first week. What are my options?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My landlord says they're exempt from radon regulations because they own fewer than 4 rental units. Is that a thing?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My landlord says they tested with a professional and my results are confidential. Can they withhold radon test results from me?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I'm renting a vacation cabin for a summer-long artist residency. The cabin is in a rural area. Should I test for radon?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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Can I work through the next step the cost of radon mitigation off my rent?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I'm planning to rent my own home to someone else. Do I need to disclose radon?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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My lease is about to expire and my landlord offered to extend at the same rent but won't fix the radon (which is 5.1). Should I sign?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I've heard that some states require radon disclosure when renting. Which states?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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I'm in subsidized housing (not HUD) through a state program. Do I have radon rights?

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

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Related Help

Questions are fine too. Call or text Bill, or send your address and contact info, and he will take it from there.

Reviewed by Bill Dahlstrom, Illinois radon mitigation license RNM2018212.