How to Determine Radon Levels in Your Home as a Renter

Know Your Rights, Protect Your Health with Help from Quality Environmental Testing Inc.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can build up indoors and pose a serious health risk—especially in homes. While homeowners are often encouraged to test their properties, many renters are left wondering if they’re also at risk. With over one-third of American households being rentals, this is a concern that can’t be ignored.

If you're a tenant, navigating radon safety may seem more complicated. But with the right approach and support from certified professionals like Quality Environmental Testing Inc., you can take control of your indoor air quality.

Start the Conversation with Your Landlord

Begin by reviewing your lease. While many agreements may not mention radon specifically, clauses related to property maintenance and tenant safety often apply. Since landlords are typically responsible for maintaining a safe living environment, radon safety can reasonably fall under that obligation.

Importantly, the Illinois Radon Awareness Act (420 ILCS 46) requires landlords (Lessors) to disclose any known radon information to new or renewing tenants. This includes notifying tenants of any prior testing results and whether elevated levels have been found. If this disclosure hasn’t been provided to you, it’s worth asking for it directly.

Approach your landlord respectfully and ask whether the property has been tested for radon. If no testing has been done—or if the landlord seems unfamiliar with radon risks—this is your opportunity to educate and advocate.

Share Trusted Information

Radon is colorless, odorless, and completely undetectable without specialized equipment. It can build up in any type of home, regardless of age or construction quality. In fact, some newer buildings may even be at increased risk due to materials that naturally emit radon.

Let your landlord know that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the #1 cause in non-smokers, according to the EPA. Since Illinois law allows tenants to terminate their lease if radon levels are found to be at or above 4.0 pCi/L and the landlord refuses to take action, it’s in everyone’s best interest to verify the safety of the home.

Schedule a Professional Radon Test

The most reliable way to determine radon levels is to schedule a test with a certified provider like Quality Environmental Testing Inc. Our trained professionals use advanced, calibrated equipment to deliver accurate, timely results.

DIY radon kits often produce unreliable readings and may not hold up in a legal or real estate context. When it comes to your health, especially if you have children or other vulnerable household members, professional testing is the safest route.

If your landlord is hesitant to take the first step, you can offer to schedule the test yourself. Once the results are available, your landlord can decide whether to move forward with mitigation if needed.

Trust Quality Environmental Testing Inc. for Reliable Results

At Quality Environmental Testing Inc., we specialize in professional radon testing for residential properties—including rentals. Our certified team will guide you through the testing process, explain your results clearly, and help you understand your next steps.

Whether you’re renting an apartment, condo, or house, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Quality Environmental Testing Inc. today to schedule your radon test and ensure the air in your home is safe to breathe.