Did you sign a lease without ever hearing the word “radon”?
You’re not alone. Most rental agreements don’t mention it—and that’s a problem. Radon is a silent, odorless gas that’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. It could be seeping into your apartment or house right now… and you wouldn’t know.
So why don’t leases mention it? And what can you do about it as a renter?
What Is Radon, and Why Should Renters Care?
Radon forms naturally in the soil and sneaks into buildings through cracks in the foundation, pipes, and even sump pumps. It’s more common in certain areas—including parts of Georgia and South Carolina, where radon levels are surprisingly high.
While homeowners are often advised to test for radon, renters are rarely told anything—even though they live in the same risky environments.
Should Radon Be Mentioned in Rental Agreements?
Ideally, yes. But most states—including Georgia and South Carolina—don’t require landlords to include radon disclosures in leases unless they’ve already tested and found elevated levels. That means:
- Your landlord might not know if the unit has high radon.
- Even if they do, they may not be required to tell you.
- You could be living with unsafe levels right now and have no idea.
How Can I Bring This Up Without Starting a Fight?
Here’s a renter-friendly script you can use:
“Hey, I recently learned about radon and how it can build up in homes. Has this property ever been tested? If not, would you be open to a test for safety?”
If your landlord agrees—great! Radon testing is fast, affordable, and totally non-invasive. It shows you care about your space, not that you’re trying to start legal drama.
If they push back or act confused, you’re allowed to test the space yourself. In most states, you don’t need permission to place a short-term test kit inside your unit (especially if it’s non-damaging and temporary).
What If I Find Dangerous Levels?
If your radon levels come back above 4.0 pCi/L (the EPA’s action level), bring the results to your landlord. Ask about mitigation, which typically involves a ventilation system that reduces indoor radon.
While not all states require landlords to fix the problem, many local housing authorities will take complaints seriously, especially if you’re in a high-risk zone or live in public housing.
Watch for These Lease Red Flags
If you’re about to sign a new lease, keep an eye out for:
- No mention of radon or any environmental disclosures
- A clause that restricts or discourages testing
- A property located in a known high-radon area (like parts of Aiken, Augusta, or Greenville)
You have the right to live in a safe and healthy home—and asking about radon should be as normal as asking about smoke detectors.
Ready to Know for Sure?
At EnviroPro 360, we specialize in radon testing for renters, landlords, and property managers in Georgia and South Carolina. Whether you’re moving into a new apartment or have lived in your rental for years, we’ll help you get answers—quickly and affordably.
Book a radon test today and breathe easier.
Schedule Your Test with EnviroPro 360
