What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is a potential health hazard. It is produced naturally when uranium in rocks and soil decays. Radon can enter buildings through cracks in foundations, walls, floors and other openings. When high levels of radon are present indoors, it can increase the risk of lung cancer.

If you are a renter, you have certain rights when it comes to radon testing. Here are some important things you should know:

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords are required to provide a safe and healthy living environment for their tenants. This includes testing for radon levels and taking any necessary measures to reduce levels if they are found to be high. As of June 30, 2023, any multifamily dwelling with government funding is required to test 25% of the ground floor units.

Disclosure

Landlords are required to disclose to tenants any knowledge of elevated radon levels in the building. If radon testing has not been done, tenants have the right to request testing

Testing

Tenants have the right to request radon testing in their unit. If the landlord refuses to perform the test, the tenant can contact their local health department for assistance.

Cost

The cost of radon testing and mitigation is typically the responsibility of the landlord. However, landlords may pass on the cost to tenants through rent increases. Radon test kits are free during the months of January and February at your local Extension office. The test kits are also available for purchase for $11 throughout the year at your local Extension office.

Mitigation

If high levels of radon are found, the landlord is responsible for mitigating the problem. Mitigation may involve sealing cracks and openings in the building, installing a radon mitigation system, or other measures to reduce radon levels.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants have a responsibility to allow access to their unit for radon testing and mitigation if necessary. Failure to comply with these requests may result in legal action.

Legal Remedies

If a landlord fails to address high levels of radon, tenants have the right to take legal action to force compliance.

Live Safe!

In conclusion, renters have the right to a safe and healthy living environment, including protection from the potential hazards of radon. By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can ensure that your living space is free from radon contamination. If you have any questions or concerns, contact ChrisK@unr.edu at Extension’s Nevada Radon Education Program.

“Renters have the right to a safe and healthy living environment. By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can ensure that your living space is free from radon contamination.”

Kelly, C 2023, Renters Rights Regarding Radon, Extension | University of Nevada Reno

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
Radon in Real Estate - Continuing Education Flyer
The Nevada Radon Education Program (NREP) offers a three-hour continuing education (CE) course that is offered at Realtor broker offices. Contact the Nevada Radon Education Program 775-336-0252.
Kelly, C. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP
Washoe County-Reno area Radon Potential Map - 2018
Use this map to find out the potential of radon exposure in Washoe County-Reno/Sparks area homes.
Kelly, C. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP
White Pine County Radon Map
This is the radon map of White Pine County in Nevada. This shows Radon potential based on data collected from completed radon tests from 1989-2018.
Kelly, Christine 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno IP
How Radon Gas Enters Homes
Radon can enter and collect inside almost any home or other building through dirt floors, hollow block walls, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, sump pumps, openings around floor drains, joints and foundation openings for pipes, sewers and other utility connections.
Howe, S. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP
Radon Child Activity Page
This is an educational activity page for the Radon Education Program.
Christine Kelly 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
 

Associated Programs

photo of lungs with red and blue ventricles

Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is funded through a grant from the EPA to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The Extension program offers literature, educational presentations and low-cost radon test kits in many county Extension and partner offices.