Missouri Radon Testing Rules for Landlords: What Renters Need to Know

If you're renting a home in Missouri, you may be worried about potential health hazards like radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes from the ground, posing long-term health risks such as lung cancer. Understanding your rights as a renter and your landlord's obligations on radon is key to keeping your living space safe and healthy in Missouri.

Understanding Radon and Health Risks for Renters

Radon is colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect without a proper test. According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Everyone deserves to know if their home is safe, regardless of whether they own or rent.

Are Landlords in Missouri Required to Test for Radon?

As of 2024, Missouri state law does not require landlords to test for radon in rental properties, nor is there a statewide law that forces landlords to disclose radon test results to tenants. This means:

• Your landlord is not legally obligated to perform radon testing before, during, or after your tenancy.
• There are no statewide forms or mandatory disclosures about radon levels for residential rentals.

However, public health authorities recommend that every home is tested for radon, especially if you rent a basement, ground floor, or single-family house.

Radon Disclosure in Real Estate Transactions

While radon information is addressed when selling property (per the Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.236), these rules apply to sales, not residential rentals. As a renter, these sale disclosure rules do not cover you directly.

What Can Renters Do About Radon?

Though Missouri law does not require landlord radon testing, tenants may request to test their rental unit with a simple kit—often available from the health department. You may also request your landlord's permission for professional testing, especially if you’re concerned about basement or ground-floor units.

• Ask your landlord in writing if radon testing has been completed or allowed in your unit.
• If you test your home and find high radon levels (4 pCi/L or higher), reach out to your landlord to discuss possible mitigation.
• If your landlord refuses reasonable health and safety repairs, you may have the right to contact local health or building authorities, or consider your options under Missouri’s Landlord-Tenant Law regarding property habitability.

Tip: You can order affordable radon test kits from the EPA’s website or the Missouri Department of Health.

Is There an Official Radon Complaint Form in Missouri?

There is no dedicated state form for renters to report radon issues in Missouri. However, if you believe your rental is unsafe and your landlord will not address serious hazards, you can:

• Contact the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Radon Program for testing help and information.
• Contact your local county health department about habitability or environmental health violations.

Any complaints about health and safety in rentals are usually filed locally, since Missouri has no statewide landlord-tenant tribunal. For rental disputes, you may file suit in Missouri Circuit Courts, Civil Division.

Relevant Legislation

• Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441: Landlord-Tenant Law
• Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Radon Information

These links cover your rights and landlord obligations under Missouri’s rental laws. While there’s no specific radon law for rentals, basic health and safety standards apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Missouri landlords required to test for or disclose radon to tenants?
   No, Missouri law does not require landlords to test for or disclose radon in rental units.
2. What can I do if I think there is radon in my rental?
   You can purchase a radon test kit and notify your landlord if you find high levels. You may also seek help from the Missouri Department of Health or your local health department.
3. Is there a government agency that handles rental radon complaints?
   There is no dedicated agency or state form for radon complaints in rentals. Serious health concerns can be directed to your local health department or, as a legal dispute, to the Missouri Circuit Court system.
4. Can I request my landlord to make repairs if high radon is detected?
   Yes, you can ask for mitigation, but unless high radon levels render the property unsafe under general health and safety standards, the landlord might not be legally required to fix it.
5. Where can I get an official low-cost radon test kit?
   The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services offers affordable kits and information on radon measurement.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

• Missouri landlords are not legally required to test or disclose radon in rental homes.
• Renters may test their own unit for radon and should inform landlords of any unsafe readings.
• General health and safety rental laws still protect renters from unsafe housing conditions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Radon Program – Guidance on radon testing, mitigation, and health risks.
• Missouri Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Law – Information on statewide rental rights, complaints, and resources.
• Missouri Circuit Courts: Civil Division – For filing formal disputes or claims related to unsafe housing or landlord neglect.
• Legal Services of Missouri – Free legal help for renters facing health and safety issues.

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441: Landlord-Tenant Law
2. Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services: Radon Information
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Radon
4. Missouri Circuit Courts: Civil Court Guide

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