Tennessee Landlords and Radon Testing: What Renters Should Know

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Tennessee, you may be concerned about health risks like radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the soil and is linked to lung cancer with long-term exposure. Knowing your rights around radon testing and disclosure can help you stay safe in your rental housing.

Does Tennessee Require Landlords to Test for Radon?

Currently, Tennessee law does not require landlords to test rental units for radon or provide radon test results to renters. However, landlords must follow general health and safety rules under the state’s landlord-tenant law, ensuring that rental properties are fit, habitable, and compliant with local housing codes.

• There is no state law mandating radon testing for rental dwellings.
• Some cities or counties may have their own health codes or rules.
• Landlords must address any known hazardous conditions affecting habitability.

If you have concerns about radon in your rental, you can ask your landlord if they’ve tested for radon. Renters always have the right to conduct a radon test themselves if they wish.

Landlord Obligations: Health & Safety Standards

Tennessee’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) covers most rental properties in counties with a population over 75,000¹. The law requires landlords to:

• Keep the property safe, clean, and habitable
• Make repairs for conditions that affect health or safety within a reasonable time

While the law does not mention radon specifically, extremely high radon levels could be considered a health or safety violation if documented. You can find more about housing standards via the Tennessee Department of Health.

Official Forms and Reporting Unsafe Conditions

There are currently no specific radon disclosure or testing forms required for Tennessee residential rentals. However, if you discover that your rental home might have hazardous levels of radon or another environmental hazard, you can:

• Notify your landlord in writing, requesting repairs to address the concern.
• Keep a copy of all communication.
• Contact your local city or county health or building department if a landlord does not respond.

For general landlord-tenant complaints, renters in applicable counties may use the Tennessee Consumer Affairs division complaint form for unresolved habitability issues. Example: If your landlord refuses to address a radon problem documented by a certified test, you might file a formal complaint to seek assistance.

Tennessee’s Housing Tribunal

The tribunal that oversees landlord-tenant disputes in Tennessee—especially for issues involving written notices or court actions—is the local General Sessions Court. You may apply to this court for disputes related to repairs or rental conditions if not resolved directly with your landlord.

How Renters Can Protect Themselves from Radon

While there are no required landlord forms specific to radon, renters can take steps to stay safe:

• Consider DIY radon tests, which are available at hardware stores or via the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Radon Program.
• If high levels are found, report the results in writing to your landlord and request remediation.
• If conditions are not fixed and your health is at risk, seek local health department guidance or contact the General Sessions Court for legal advice.

FAQ: Tennessee Renters and Radon Safety

1. Can I require my landlord to test for radon?
   No. Tennessee law does not require landlords to test for radon or share test results in most cities and counties.
2. What should I do if I suspect high radon in my apartment?
   Consider performing a radon test yourself and notify your landlord in writing if results are high. Request repairs and, if ignored, you may escalate to the health department or General Sessions Court.
3. Does my landlord have to tell me if there is a radon problem?
   Landlords are not legally required to disclose radon or environmental hazards unless local rules require it. However, all landlords must maintain habitable, safe housing.
4. Are there any official radon disclosure forms in Tennessee?
   No. As of 2024, there are no Tennessee-mandated radon testing or disclosure forms for residential rentals.
5. What is the main law protecting my rights as a renter?
   The Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) protects most Tennessee renters in larger counties. Check state renter rights resources for details.

Key Takeaways

• Tennessee landlords are not required by state law to test for or disclose radon in rentals.
• General health and safety standards mean rental properties should not endanger tenants.
• Renters can test for radon, report unsafe conditions to landlords, and seek help from local agencies or courts if issues are not resolved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Radon Program – Testing kits and radon information
• TN Department of Health: Healthy Homes – Guidance on environmental health issues
• Tennessee General Sessions Court – Housing dispute resolution
• State of Tennessee: Tenants & Evictions Hub – Legal rights, complaint forms, and support

---

1. Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)
2. Tennessee Radon Program – Official Radon Information
3. Tennessee General Sessions Court Housing Disputes

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations