Mississippi Landlords and Radon Testing: What Renters Need to Know

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks if it builds up indoors. If you rent your home in Mississippi and are concerned about radon, it’s important to know your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and any existing state requirements for testing rental properties for radon gas. This guide breaks down the facts and resources in plain language so you can protect your health and understand your legal options.

Understanding Radon and Its Health Risks

Radon comes from the ground and can accumulate inside homes. High levels of radon are a leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing homes to ensure that radon levels are safe.

Are Landlords Required to Test for Radon in Mississippi?

As of 2024, Mississippi does not have a state law requiring landlords to test rental properties for radon, nor are there legally mandated disclosure requirements regarding radon levels in rental homes.

• No Mississippi statute specifically addresses radon testing or disclosure in residential rental housing.
• There is no official form or state program requiring radon testing before or during a tenancy.
• The Mississippi State Department of Health does provide information and recommendations for radon testing, but compliance is voluntary.

Even though radon testing is not required by law, landlords in Mississippi must still provide safe and habitable rental housing under the state’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Unsafe conditions—such as environmental health hazards—could potentially violate these general standards, but radon specifically is not regulated.

What Can Renters Do About Radon Concerns?

If you believe there is a radon risk in your rental unit, consider these steps:

• Contact your landlord and ask if the property has ever been tested for radon.
• You may choose to test your home yourself with an EPA-approved radon test kit.
• If high levels of radon are detected, promptly notify your landlord in writing and request action.
• Landlords are not obligated by law to take specific steps, but a responsible landlord may address your concerns for your safety.

If you’re worried about health impacts from radon, you can contact the Mississippi State Department of Health – Radon Program for guidance and free test kits.

No Standard Radon Disclosure or Testing Forms in Mississippi

Currently, there are no official Mississippi landlord or tenant forms for radon testing or disclosure. Unlike some other states, Mississippi does not provide or require a “Radon Gas Disclosure” or similar form at the start or during a lease.

If you wish to request improvements or repairs based on health concerns, you may use general maintenance request forms or submit a written notice as outlined in your lease agreement or under Mississippi landlord-tenant law (Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)¹.

How Mississippi’s Health & Safety Laws Apply

Mississippi’s residential landlord-tenant law requires landlords to:

• Comply with general health and safety codes affecting housing (Section 89-8-23)
• Make necessary repairs to keep the premises fit and habitable
• Maintain common areas in safe condition

However, these requirements do not mention radon specifically, nor do they require routine radon inspections. If you experience health symptoms or detect dangerous radon levels, you can report your concerns, but Mississippi law does not guarantee a specific remedy for radon hazards in rental homes.

Who Handles Rental Housing Disputes in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, residential tenancy concerns—including health and safety complaints—are typically addressed through civil court procedures. There is no specialized housing tribunal or board; disputes go through your local County or City Justice Court. For guidance, you can contact the Mississippi Justice Courts and review state statutes for renter protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Mississippi landlords legally required to test for radon?
   No, Mississippi law does not require landlords to test for or disclose radon in rental properties. Testing is voluntary.
2. What should I do if I find high radon levels in my rental home?
   You should inform your landlord in writing and request action. You can also contact state health authorities for advice, but legal remedies may be limited.
3. Where can I get a radon test kit in Mississippi?
   The Mississippi State Department of Health offers free radon test kits to residents. Visit their Radon Program website to order one.
4. Does my landlord have to notify me about radon before I sign my lease?
   No, Mississippi does not require landlords to notify or provide documentation about radon to tenants when leasing a property.
5. Can I break my lease if the radon level is unsafe?
   You may have grounds if your rental is unsafe and the landlord refuses to act, but this relies on the general habitability standard and may require court involvement. Always seek legal advice first.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• Mississippi does not mandate radon testing or disclosure by landlords in rental housing.
• Renters can take their own actions to test for radon and should report concerns in writing to landlords.
• General habitability standards still apply, so unsafe conditions may be addressed under state landlord-tenant law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi State Department of Health Radon Program — Free radon test kits and radon information
• Mississippi Justice Courts — File rent or repair disputes
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — Full state landlord-tenant law
• US EPA Radon Resources — General radon facts and safety tips

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1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-1 et seq.)
2. Mississippi State Department of Health: Radon Program

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