Vermont Landlord Radon Testing: What Renters Need to Know

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil and can seep into homes, posing significant health risks such as lung cancer. As a renter in Vermont, it's important to understand your rights about radon safety in your apartment or rental home, especially since radon is a serious health hazard in many Vermont areas.

Vermont Radon Testing Rules for Landlords

Currently, Vermont does not have a statewide law requiring landlords to test for radon or disclose radon test results to tenants in most rental units. However, awareness of radon and voluntary action is encouraged by both the Vermont Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• Landlords are not legally required to test for radon before renting out a property.
• There is no legal obligation for landlords to tell renters about the presence (or absence) of radon.
• However, if radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L are detected, strong health advisories urge action to reduce radon exposure.

This means that while your landlord may choose to test for radon and provide information, it's not required by Vermont's housing laws at this time.

General Health and Safety Standards

Even though there are no explicit radon mandates, all Vermont landlords must keep rental properties "fit and habitable" according to Vermont’s Residential Rental Agreements Act, 9 V.S.A. § 4452. This requirement may be used to address serious environmental health concerns such as dangerous radon exposure when it threatens occupants' safety.

• If a rental is unsafe due to a hazardous condition, renters can formally request repairs from their landlord.

Requesting Radon Testing or Repairs: Steps for Vermont Renters

If you are concerned about radon in your rental unit:

• Request information from your landlord about past radon tests or remediation.
• You may order a free radon test kit from the Vermont Department of Health for your rental.
• If results show high radon (over 4.0 pCi/L), notify your landlord in writing and request repairs to reduce exposure.

While landlords are not strictly mandated to act, both tenant and landlord have an interest in a healthy home. Refer to official guidance on how to communicate concerns about environmental hazards.

Official Complaint Process

If your landlord ignores serious health and safety issues, you may make a complaint to your local Town Health Officer or your municipal code enforcement office. For legal disputes, you may also contact the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division.

Relevant Forms for Vermont Renters

• Vermont Department of Health Radon Test Kit Request (Online Form)
  When to use: To request a free radon test kit for your rental, you can fill out this online form. For example, a renter concerned about air quality might use this to check radon levels independently.
• Repair Request Letter (No state-issued form)
  When to use: Draft a simple written notice to your landlord if radon levels are high, asking for repairs. There is no official form, but always keep a copy for your records.

No official radon-specific complaint form exists in Vermont; renters should follow up with their local health officer if concerns go unresolved.

Where to Get Legal Help: Vermont Tenancy Tribunal

Disputes about health and safety, such as radon exposure, are handled through the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division, which oversees landlord-tenant cases in the state.
You can review renter rights and landlord duties in detail in the Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Vermont landlords required by law to test rental units for radon?
   No. Vermont currently has no law requiring routine radon testing by landlords in rental properties.
2. Can I test my rental unit for radon myself?
   Yes. Any renter can request a free radon test kit from the Vermont Department of Health and conduct their own test.
3. What should I do if high radon is found in my Vermont rental?
   Notify your landlord in writing immediately, share the results, and request steps to reduce radon exposure. If you feel your safety is at risk and no action is taken, contact your local Town Health Officer or seek advice from the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division.
4. What office handles landlord-tenant disputes in Vermont?
   The Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division, handles residential tenancy issues, including health and safety matters.
5. Where can I learn more about radon and rental health standards?
   The Vermont Department of Health has comprehensive resources on environmental health and radon at their official radon safety page.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

• Vermont landlords are not legally obligated to test or remediate for radon, but healthy housing is still required by law.
• Renters can access free radon test kits and should communicate in writing if high radon is discovered.
• Unresolved safety concerns can be escalated to health officers or Vermont courts for guidance and resolution.

Understanding your rights and available resources about radon is your best defense for a safe rental home in Vermont.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Department of Health: Radon Safety — Request free test kits, guidance, and mitigation resources.
• Vermont Law Help – Housing — Legal information for renters and support finding free legal advice if needed.
• Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division — File or seek help for legal housing disputes.
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act — Full legal text covering habitable housing rules.

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 137)
2. Vermont Department of Health: Radon Program
3. U.S. EPA: State Radon Programs
4. Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division

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