Radon Testing in Apartments: What Tenants & Landlords Should Know
When most people think about radon gas issues, they probably assume it’s impacting a single-family home. But radon can impact buildings of all types: homes, businesses, and yes, apartments. Radon in apartments is a real concern, and it’s one that often flies under the radar, especially for renters.
Whether you own a multi-family building or rent a basement apartment, it’s important to understand how radon can affect apartment living, who’s responsible for testing, and how to fix a radon problem if one shows up. We’ll break down what renters, property managers, and building owners ought to know.
Number One: What Is Radon? Why Should You Care?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in the soil breaks down. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless. In other words, it’s completely impossible to detect without proper radon testing.
According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., right behind smoking. And here’s the kicker: Because it’s undetectable, you could be exposed to dangerous radon levels for years without knowing it.
So why does this matter for apartment dwellers? Because radon exposure isn’t just a suburban basement issue—it can impact anyone, anywhere. And that includes renters in high-rise buildings, garden apartments, and duplexes alike.
How Radon Gets Into Apartments–On Any Level
Even though apartments might seem safer than houses because they’re off the ground, radon doesn’t exactly follow real estate logic due to the stack effect. Radon enters buildings from the soil below and travels upward through cracks in foundations, floor gaps, sump pumps, utility penetrations, and other structural openings. That means:
Basement and ground-floor apartments are especially vulnerable
Radon can accumulate in multi-unit buildings, especially older ones with unsealed foundations
Even upper-floor units may see radon transfer through shafts, plumbing chases, and HVAC systems due to the stack effect
There are often many factors to consider in apartment buildings, from soil to structure, making it impossible to know if a particular building or unit has a radon issue without testing. That’s why the EPA recommends that all homes, including rental units, be tested for radon—even on the upper floors.
Wait: Are Landlords Required to Test for Radon?
If you're a tenant wondering if landlords are supposed to perform radon tests, the answer depends on where you live. No federal law requires landlords to test for or disclose radon levels in rental properties.
However, some states and municipalities do have radon-related laws, especially in areas known to have high radon levels. In these cases, landlords might be required to:
Test rental properties before leasing
Disclose known radon levels to prospective tenants
Provide documentation of mitigation if radon was previously found
Tennessee, for example, does not currently mandate radon testing for landlords, but tenants still have the right to request radon testing for health and safety reasons.
Even if radon testing isn’t required, paying attention to radon levels is still important. If the level exceeds 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)—the action level set by the EPA—mitigation is strongly recommended, regardless of who owns the building.
Deep Dive: Understanding Tenant Rights & Landlord Responsibilities for Radon
While legal requirements will vary depending on your city and state, here’s a basic rundown of what both parties should consider.
Radon Rights & Responsibilities for Tenants
As a renter, you may not have the ability (or interest) to pay for radon mitigation. However, testing is a relatively inexpensive and accessible way to determine if your living space is safe.
Want to do your due diligence? Here’s what to know:
You can ask about previous testing.
As a renter, you have the right to know if your unit—or the building—has ever been tested for radon. Don’t hesitate to ask your landlord for results or documentation.
You can request or conduct a test.
If no testing has been done, you can either request that your landlord handle it, purchase an EPA-recommended radon test kit and do it yourself, or buy a trusted multi-purpose air monitor that you can keep for the long term for added confidence. It’s a small step that could have a big impact on your health.
You can report high levels.
If your DIY or professional radon test shows elevated levels, notify your landlord in writing and ask for mitigation. It’s important to get the issue documented and addressed promptly.
You may have legal protections.
In some areas, tenants may be allowed to withhold rent, break the lease, or take other legal action if a landlord refuses to address a confirmed radon problem. Check your local tenant laws to understand your rights.
What to Know: Radon Recommendations for Landlords
While you may not be legally obligated to test for radon, it’s certainly within your best interests as a landlord or property manager to ensure your space has been tested for radon. Here’s why:
Testing protects everyone, yourself included.
Even if your state doesn’t require it, offering radon testing in apartments shows that you care about tenant safety and can help shield you from future liability.
It’s cost-effective and straightforward.
Radon testing isn’t expensive, and unless you make major changes to the structure, it’s often a one-time investment. Proactive testing now could save you a lot later.
Mitigation is usually fast and minimally invasive.
If high levels of radon are found, a commercial radon mitigation system can often be installed in just a few hours, without displacing your tenants or causing major disruption.
Safe environments build tenant trust.
Creating a safe, healthy living space isn’t just about compliance—it’s good business. Prioritizing radon safety can increase tenant retention and enhance your reputation as a responsible property owner.
How to Test for Radon in an Apartment
If you're a renter, you can start with a short-term radon test kit, which you can find online, in hardware stores, or from local health departments. These kits usually stay in place for 2–7 days and are mailed to a lab for results.
Here’s how to test your apartment effectively:
Place the kit on the lowest livable level of your apartment
Avoid kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with high airflow
Keep windows and doors closed during the test period
Landlords and property managers may prefer to hire a licensed radon measurement professional, especially for large or multi-unit buildings where a strategic sampling approach is more efficient.
What If Radon Is Found? Here's How to Fix It
First, don’t panic! High levels of radon can almost always be reduced. The most common radon mitigation system is an active radon system, which involves a vent pipe and fan that draws radon from beneath the building and expels it safely outside.
For apartment buildings, mitigation might involve:
Sub-slab depressurization (for buildings with basements or slab foundations)
Block wall depressurization (common in older buildings)
Sealing of major entry points in combination with ventilation (crawlspace encapsulation)
Zoned mitigation or multiple systems, depending on the building layout
If you’re a property owner or manager, hiring a certified expert in commercial mitigation is key. And that’s where The Radon Guys come in.
Radon in Apartments? Call The Radon Guys
Whether you’re living in a basement apartment in East Nashville or managing a multi-unit building in Franklin, radon could be present—and invisible. And while laws on landlord responsibility vary, your health shouldn’t be left to chance.
Testing is the only way to know. And taking action is the only way to reduce the risk.
The Radon Guys specialize in commercial radon mitigation, with tailored solutions for apartment buildings, condos, and multi-family rentals. Our certified team understands the complexities of building construction, pressure zones, and occupant safety.
Whether you're a tenant seeking answers or a landlord ready to protect your investment, The Radon Guys are here to help. From radon testing in apartments to custom mitigation plans for rental properties, our friendly, professional team is ready to partner with you for long-term safety.
Contact us today to schedule a radon test or learn more about mitigation solutions for your apartment or building.
