Oregon Radon Testing Rules for Landlords and Renters

As a renter in Oregon, it’s important to know your rights to a healthy and safe home environment. One environmental concern, radon, is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and become a serious health risk. Oregon’s laws set clear rules for radon testing and disclosure in rental properties, especially for those living in specific areas or newer buildings. Understanding these requirements can help you advocate for your own safety and peace of mind.

What Is Radon and Why Should Renters Be Concerned?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in the ground. If it builds up inside a home, long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Radon Program maps areas where radon is more likely to be present, and promotes awareness for all residents.

Oregon Law: When Do Landlords Have to Test for Radon?

Oregon law sets specific radon testing and disclosure requirements for landlords in certain situations:

• Newer Multifamily Buildings: For residential buildings with more than four units, constructed after January 1, 2014, landlords are legally required to test for radon and disclose results to tenants before move-in.^[1]
• Other Rental Properties: For single-family rentals and older multifamily buildings, radon testing is strongly encouraged but not always legally required. However, local city or county rules may apply in addition to state law.

Landlords must give tenants an official radon disclosure when required, and if high levels are found, mitigation must be addressed.

Oregon’s Radon Disclosure Law Explained

• Applies to qualifying properties built January 1, 2014 or later.
• Landlords must test for radon before a new tenancy and provide the written radon test results.
• If mitigation (fixing high radon levels) takes place, landlords must provide notice that the work was done and share post-mitigation test results.

Which Official Forms are Used?

• Radon Testing Disclosure Form (no statewide standardized form, but disclosure must be in writing)
  How used: Landlords provide this written disclosure to new tenants before they move in, for buildings required to test. It must outline dates and results of testing, and any mitigation performed.
  Sample Radon Disclosure (OHA)

There is no numbered Oregon form required by state law, but many landlords use the OHA template above to meet the disclosure rule.

What Should Renters Do If Disclosure Is Missing or Radon Is High?

• Contact your landlord in writing to request the radon disclosure, or to ask if testing has been done, especially if you live in a newer large building.
• If you know radon levels are at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), Oregon health guidelines recommend mitigation. Landlords of covered buildings are responsible for fixing high radon levels.
• If your landlord doesn’t respond, Oregon allows tenants to file a written complaint with the landlord and, if needed, seek enforcement via the courts under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[2]

Which Agency Manages Rental Housing Complaints?

Oregon rental disputes, including health and safety standards, are typically overseen by the Oregon Judicial Department - Landlord/Tenant courts. The Oregon Health Authority provides radon information, but legal rights are handled through the courts.

Key Laws and Legislation For Renters

• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — sets the standards for rental properties and tenant rights
• Senate Bill 151 (2013) — establishes radon disclosure requirements for new construction rentals
• Oregon Health Authority Radon Program — maps, safe levels, and testing resources

FAQs for Oregon Renters Dealing with Radon

1. Do Oregon landlords have to test every rental for radon?
   Landlords must test and disclose radon only for multifamily buildings built after January 1, 2014 with more than four units. In other rentals, it is highly recommended, but not required by state law.
2. How do I know if my Oregon rental should have a radon disclosure?
   If you rent in a building with five or more units built after 2014, your landlord should provide a written radon test result before you move in, or if mitigation was done during your lease.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to disclose radon information?
   Request the information in writing first. If not provided, you may report the concern to local health authorities or take legal steps through Oregon’s courts.
4. Can tenants pay for their own radon test?
   Yes, and tenants are allowed to hire a qualified professional to test radon in their unit. Share the results with your landlord if levels are high.
5. What is the safe radon level in Oregon rentals?
   The EPA and Oregon Health Authority recommend action when radon is 4.0 pCi/L or higher. Landlords of covered buildings should mitigate if levels are above this amount.

Conclusion: What Oregon Renters Need to Know

• Landlords of newer, larger apartment buildings have legal duties to test for radon and share results in writing.
• All renters can request radon information and seek help if safety issues aren’t addressed.
• Oregon law favors safe rental housing, with agencies and courts in place to support tenant concerns about radon.

By staying informed about these requirements, you can assert your right to a healthy rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Health Authority - Radon Program: testing resources and maps
• Oregon Judicial Department - Landlord/Tenant Courts: file rental complaints and find forms
• Oregon Housing and Community Services - Tenant Resources
• Oregon Law Help: free legal information for renters

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1. Oregon Revised Statutes, Section 90.228, read full text at Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
2. Oregon Health Authority, OHA Radon Program.
3. Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord/Tenant Courts, official website.

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