Louisiana Landlord Radon Testing: Requirements & Renters’ Rights

As a renter in Louisiana, you may have questions about your landlord’s responsibilities for radon testing. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose health risks at high concentrations indoors. Here, we break down what landlords are (and are not) required to do under Louisiana law, your rights if you’re concerned about radon, and where to turn for credible help.

Understanding Radon and Rental Housing in Louisiana

Radon is invisible, odorless, and can accumulate indoors, especially in basements or lower floors. High radon levels are linked to lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Health recommend testing, but landlord obligations are different in each state.

Are Louisiana Landlords Legally Required to Test for Radon?

Currently, there are no state laws in Louisiana that require landlords to test for radon or disclose known radon levels to tenants. This means:

• Louisiana landlords are not legally mandated to conduct radon testing before or during a tenancy.
• No specific radon disclosure forms or state-required notices exist for landlords or tenants in Louisiana.

While no law requires landlords to test, renters can still prioritize their own health and request information or consider testing themselves if they have concerns.

Health & Safety Standards for Rentals

Louisiana law requires landlords to keep rental properties in habitable condition. This includes addressing major health hazards. If high radon levels are discovered by a renter, the issue may be considered under the general duty to maintain a safe premises under the Louisiana Civil Code, Article 2691 (lessee’s rights to a fit dwelling). However, radon is not specifically mentioned in the law.

What Can Renters Do If Concerned About Radon?

• Request written information: Politely ask your landlord if the property has been tested or if they know of past radon results.
• Order your own test: Home radon test kits are affordable and easy to use. The Louisiana Department of Health Radon Program offers guidance and sometimes low-cost testing kits.
• Inform your landlord: If your results show high radon levels (over 4 pCi/L), share your written results with your landlord and discuss mitigation options.

Relevant Forms and Practical Examples

• No State Radon Disclosure Form: Louisiana does not have an official radon disclosure or reporting form for residential leases at this time.
• General Complaint Form: If you believe your rental is unsafe, you may use your local parish health department’s general complaint process. For example, New Orleans Parish Environmental Health Complaint Form. This can be used if you believe your health is at risk due to radon or another environmental hazard, though radon-specific handling is rare.

Example for Renters: You discover high radon levels using a home test kit. You should notify your landlord in writing and can consider submitting a complaint to your local health department if the landlord does not respond or if you believe your health or safety is compromised.

Which Board Handles Landlord–Tenant Issues?

Louisiana does not have a dedicated landlord-tenant tribunal. Instead, disputes are usually addressed in local Parish Courts.

For more about tenant rights, see the Louisiana Civil Code, Articles 2668–2729 (Leases).

FAQ: Louisiana Radon Testing and Your Rental

1. Are landlords in Louisiana required to test for radon?
   No. Landlords are not legally required to test or disclose radon levels in Louisiana residential properties.
2. What can I do if I’m worried about radon in my apartment?
   You can ask your landlord about past testing, order an at-home radon test, and, if needed, discuss possible mitigation based on your results.
3. If my test shows high radon, can I break my lease?
   Radon is not an automatic reason to break a lease under Louisiana law, but you may be able to negotiate with your landlord if the property is unsafe, especially if they won’t address serious health concerns.
4. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord won’t address a health risk?
   Start with your local parish health department or environmental health office. For further action, housing disputes are usually resolved in Parish Court.
5. Does Louisiana have any form or notice regarding radon for renters?
   No, Louisiana does not provide a standard radon disclosure form for residential rental properties.

Key Takeaways

• Louisiana does not legally require landlords to test for, disclose, or mitigate radon in rentals.
• Tenants can purchase their own test kits and should share concerns or high readings with landlords in writing.
• General safety and habitability may support complaints, but radon is not specifically listed in Louisiana statutes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Department of Health: Radon Program — Information, guidance, and testing kit options.
• Parish Environmental Health Offices — For complaints or advice on hazards in your area.
• Louisiana Parish Courts — Where residential tenancy disputes are usually handled.
• Louisiana Civil Code (Leases, Articles 2668–2729) — Primary state law on residential tenancies.

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1. Louisiana Civil Code, Articles 2668–2729 (Leases)
2. Louisiana Department of Health: Radon in Homes
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Radon Resources
4. Louisiana State Courts (Parish Listings)

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