Minnesota Radon Testing Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up indoors, leading to potential health risks. For renters in Minnesota, state law sets specific requirements for landlords around radon testing, disclosure, and mitigation. This guide will help you understand your rights as a tenant, what landlords must provide, and what steps you can take to ensure your rental home is safe from radon.

Understanding Radon in Minnesota Rentals

Radon is colorless and odorless, and long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, many homes in the state, including rental properties, can have high radon levels.

What Landlords Must Do

• Test for Radon: Landlords must have a current radon test result (within the past 5 years) for rental units.
• Disclose Results: Before entering a lease, landlords must provide written notice about the radon levels in the unit, including any mitigation steps taken.
• Provide State-Approved Fact Sheet: Landlords are required to give renters the Minnesota Department of Health Radon in Real Estate Transactions disclosure. This includes important facts about radon and its risks.
• Maintain Safety: Under Minnesota landlord-tenant law, landlords must keep rental properties habitable and follow all local health and safety codes.

Summary: Minnesota's law protects renters by making sure landlords regularly test, disclose, and if needed, address radon concerns in rental properties.

Your Rights as a Renter

As a renter in Minnesota, you have the right to:

• Receive up-to-date radon test results and disclosures before signing your lease.
• Request radon mitigation if dangerous levels are found.
• Contact state health authorities if you believe your landlord isn't complying with the law.

These requirements are established in the Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.195 – Radon Disclosure and are enforced statewide.^[1]

What Is the Official Disclosure Form?

• Form Name: Minnesota Radon Disclosure Form for Residential Rental Properties
• When is it used? Landlords must give this form to new tenants before a lease is signed. It details the date of the last radon test, its results, and any mitigation actions taken.
• How is it used? For example, if you are about to sign a lease, your landlord should provide this disclosure. You should read the results, ask questions, and keep a copy for your records.
• View and download the official Minnesota Radon Disclosure form

It’s your right to receive this information. If you didn’t get this disclosure, remind your landlord or contact the Minnesota Department of Health.

What to Do if Your Landlord Doesn't Comply

If your landlord does not provide the radon disclosure, does not test when required, or refuses to address high radon levels, you can:

• Communicate your concerns in writing and keep a copy.
• Contact your local health department or the Minnesota Department of Health’s Radon Program.
• If unresolved, you may file a complaint or seek help through the local housing court.

Tip: Always document any requests, issues, or communications related to radon with your landlord for your records.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Minnesota?

The primary body for tenant-landlord issues in Minnesota is the Minnesota Housing Court. For enforcement and complaints, renters can turn to the Minnesota Department of Health or their county's Housing Court division.

Relevant Minnesota Tenant Laws

• Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.195 – Radon Disclosure
• Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161 – Landlord’s Duty to Maintain Premises
• Minnesota Department of Health Radon Resources for Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do landlords in Minnesota have to test for radon before renting out a unit?
   Yes. Minnesota law requires landlords to provide information about any radon testing and to disclose the results before a lease is signed.
2. What if my landlord hasn't given me a radon disclosure form?
   You should request the form immediately. If your landlord refuses, contact the Minnesota Department of Health or local housing court for assistance.
3. Can I request a new radon test if the results are old?
   Yes. Landlords must provide results from a radon test conducted within the last 5 years. If the results are older, you can ask for a new test.
4. What happens if high radon levels are found?
   The landlord is strongly encouraged to address the issue through radon mitigation, ensuring the safety of tenants.
5. Where can I find the official radon disclosure form for renters?
   The form is available on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in Minnesota are required to test, disclose, and provide facts about radon for rental units.
• You have a right to transparency and to safe, healthy living conditions.
• Resources and complaint options are available if the law is not followed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Department of Health Radon Program
• Minnesota Radon Disclosure Forms and Fact Sheets
• Minnesota Housing Court – Tenant-Landlord Issues
• Minnesota Attorney General: Landlord & Tenant Rights

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1. Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.195 – Radon Disclosure
2. Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161 – Landlord’s Duty to Maintain Premises
3. Minnesota Department of Health: Radon Disclosure for Residential Properties
4. Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court

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