You move into a cozy rental, settle into your new space, and then find out—your home has dangerous levels of radon. Now what? Can you break your lease? Can your landlord be held responsible?
Let’s break down what you need to know if you’re renting in Georgia or South Carolina and just discovered high radon levels.
What Is Radon, and Why Is It a Problem?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground below. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and it doesn’t matter if you own or rent—radon exposure is dangerous either way.
In Georgia and South Carolina, many areas—especially places like Augusta, Aiken, and Greenville—have moderate to high radon risk.
Is Your Landlord Legally Required to Test for Radon?
Unfortunately, in most cases, landlords are not required by law in Georgia or South Carolina to test for radon or disclose radon levels in rental homes or apartments.
But here’s where it gets tricky:
- If the home is tested and high levels are found, the landlord could be held liable for not addressing a known health hazard.
- If you ask for testing and are denied, it may raise red flags about the condition of the property.
What Are Your Rights as a Renter?
If your rental property tests above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, you have a few options:
📌 1. Request Mitigation
Ask your landlord in writing to address the issue. Share the test results and request a professional radon mitigation system.
📌 2. Withhold Rent? Be Careful.
Some renters try to withhold rent to force action, but this can backfire legally. Always consult a tenant rights group or legal professional before taking this step.
📌 3. Breaking the Lease
If the radon levels are dangerously high and your landlord refuses to fix the issue, you may be able to terminate your lease based on the property being unsafe or uninhabitable.
Each case is unique, so documentation is key:
- Independent radon test results
- Communication history with landlord
- Photos, expert reports, or other evidence of risk
What If the Landlord Doesn’t Believe the Results?
You’re allowed to have your own testing done—even if the landlord insists it’s unnecessary. A certified radon testing company like EnviroPro 360 provides trusted, accurate results backed by years of experience in the Southeast.
Protect Yourself Before You Sign
If you haven’t moved in yet, ask about radon before signing the lease. You can request:
- A recent radon test report
- Permission to test the space yourself
- A clause in your lease requiring mitigation if high levels are found
Don’t Wait Until You’re Sick
Radon doesn’t cause symptoms right away. But over time, exposure builds. If you suspect a problem—or just want peace of mind—schedule testing now.
EnviroPro 360: Your Partner in Rental Safety
At EnviroPro 360, we help renters and landlords protect their spaces. With certified radon testing, affordable service, and quick turnaround, we’ve earned our reputation as the Southeast’s trusted environmental testing team.
Call us today or visit our website to book radon testing for your rental.
A safe environment begins with us.
