Protecting Your Health in a Rental Property

When most people think about renting an apartment or home, they focus on rent prices, lease agreements, and amenities. However, one often-overlooked issue that can have serious health consequences is radon exposure. If you’re a renter in Illinois, it’s essential to understand how radon gas can impact your health and what rights you have under the Illinois Tenants Radon Protection Act.

What is Radon, and Why Should Renters Care?

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into buildings through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations, accumulating in enclosed spaces like basements, crawl spaces, and even ground-level apartments. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has identified radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., responsible for over 21,000 deaths annually.

Since radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, the only way to detect it is through testing. Unfortunately, many renters never test for radon because they assume it’s the landlord’s responsibility. While Illinois law does encourage radon awareness, testing and mitigation are not always required for rental properties.

Understanding the Illinois Tenants Radon Protection Act

The Illinois Tenants Radon Protection Act was created to improve communication between landlords and tenants regarding radon risks. While the law does not require landlords to conduct radon testing, it does require them to disclose test results if a test has been performed.

Key Points of the Law:
  • Applies to all rental properties except those above the second floor in multi-story buildings.
  • Landlords must disclose radon test results if a test has been conducted.
  • If a test shows high radon levels (4.0 pCi/L or above), landlords must inform prospective tenants before they sign a lease.
  • Landlords are not legally required to fix high radon levels, but they may choose to mitigate for health and safety reasons.
  • Tenants can test their rental unit for radon if they choose.

What Can Illinois Renters Do About Radon?

If you’re renting an apartment, condo, or house in Illinois, here’s how you can take action to protect your health:

1. Ask Your Landlord About Radon Testing

Before signing a lease, ask your landlord or property manager if the unit has been tested for radon. If a test has been conducted, they must provide the results. If the unit has not been tested, you may want to request that they conduct a test before you move in.

2. Test Your Rental Unit for Radon

If your landlord hasn’t tested for radon, you can purchase a test kit from a hardware store or online. Many Illinois health departments offer free or low-cost radon test kits to encourage residents to check their homes. You can also hire a licensed radon professional for more accurate testing.

3. Understand Your Rights if Radon Levels are High

If your radon test shows levels above 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation. While Illinois law does not require landlords to fix high radon levels, you may be able to:

  • Negotiate with your landlord to install a radon mitigation system.
  • Request a lease termination if you feel your health is at risk.
  • Seek legal advice if your landlord refuses to address dangerously high radon levels.
4. Take Preventative Measures

If you live in a ground-floor or basement apartment, consider:

  • Keeping windows open when possible for better ventilation.
  • Sealing cracks in floors and walls to prevent radon from seeping in.
  • An air purifier with an activated carbon filter can help reduce indoor pollutants.
Why Radon Awareness Matters for Renters

Unlike other health hazards like mold or lead paint, radon exposure is not immediately noticeable. It doesn’t cause headaches, nausea, or irritation, so many people are unaware they’re breathing in a toxic gas. The longer you’re exposed, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer.

If you’re a renter, it’s up to you to take an active role in protecting yourself. While landlords must disclose test results, they aren’t required to test for radon or fix the problem. By understanding your rights and taking action, you can ensure your home is a safe place to live.

Resources for Illinois Renters

If you need more information or want to test your rental unit, check out these resources:

Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Radon Program – https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/NRS/Radon/
EPA Radon Information – https://www.epa.gov/radon
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Radon Awareness Program – https://www.dph.illinois.gov