Many renters in England worry about invisible health hazards like radon and what to do if they suspect a problem in their home. This guide explains what radon is, how it can affect health, and practical steps tenants can take such as asking a landlord to arrange testing, buying or requesting a radon detector, reporting problems to the local council s environmental health team, and where to seek legal help if necessary. It covers who is usually responsible for repairs, typical timescales for action, and how evidence and official forms can support a complaint. The advice is written for tenants, using plain language and clear examples so you can act confidently if you discover high radon levels.
What is radon and why it matters
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up in poorly ventilated homes. Long-term exposure to high levels increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for people who smoke. The UK government recommends testing if you live in an area with known higher radon potential or if you notice signs of persistent poor ventilation and dampness.[1]
Who is responsible in a rented home?
Landlords have a duty to ensure a rented property is safe and habitable. Where radon is measured at high levels the landlord will usually be expected to arrange remediation and any necessary repairs to ventilation or seals. Tenants should raise concerns in writing and keep copies of all communications and test results.
Testing and evidence you can collect
Start with an accredited radon test kit or ask your landlord to arrange testing through an approved provider. Short-term tests (typically 2 to 84 weeks) can indicate elevated levels, but long-term tests give a clearer picture. Always keep photos of where detectors are placed and a copy of the test report.
- Ask for a long-term test where possible, as results become more reliable over months.
- Request a written test report from the tester and keep the document for evidence.
- Take dated photos showing detector placement and any visible ventilation or damp issues.
Raising the issue with your landlord and council
Tell your landlord about test results and request remediation within a reasonable timescale. If the landlord does not act, report the issue to your local council s environmental health department. Councils can inspect, declare a statutory nuisance or require remedial work where the health risk meets their thresholds. When you report, include your test report, photos and copies of correspondence with the landlord.[2]
Relevant official forms and when to use them
There is no single national form for housing disrepair or radon complaints; processes vary by council. However, there are national court and tribunal forms tenants and landlords may encounter:
- N1 Claim form (county court): used by landlords to start possession or monetary claims; a tenant can use related court forms to submit a counterclaim for disrepair or a withholding of rent defence. Example: if your landlord seeks possession but has ignored remediation requests, you could set out disrepair issues as a response using the court process. See the official N1 page for the form and guidance.
- Local council complaint form: many councils provide an online environmental health or statutory nuisance form to report home hazards; use your council s form to ask for an inspection and attach test evidence. Example: submitting your radon report and photos via the council form triggers an official inspection process.
Practical example of using forms
Step 1: Email your landlord with the test report and request remediation within 14 days. Step 2: If no action, submit your council s environmental health complaint form and attach the report. Step 3: Keep copies of every message and date-stamped photos for any later tribunal or court application.
Legal remedies and where disputes are decided
If informal steps do not resolve the issue, tenants can seek formal remedies. In England, housing and tenancy disputes involving safety and repairs can be heard by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or in some cases the county court, depending on the remedy sought. The most relevant tribunal for many residential property disputes is the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).[4]
FAQ
- How can I check if my area has a radon risk?
- Check the UK government s radon guidance and local radon maps, and consider buying or requesting a test kit for your specific property.[1]
- What if my landlord refuses to test or remediate?
- Raise the issue in writing, report to your local council s environmental health team, and keep full records; if necessary seek a remedy through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or county court depending on the relief you need.[2]
- Can a tenant be forced to move because of radon?
- Eviction must follow legal procedures under the Housing Act 1988 and other tenancy rules; landlords cannot legally evict without following the correct notice and court/tribunal processes, and tenants can seek advice and challenge unlawful action.[3]
How-To
- Ask your landlord in writing for a radon test and keep a dated copy of the message and any reply.
- If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, submit your council s environmental health complaint form with attached evidence.
- If the council does not resolve the issue, get legal advice and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or county court with your documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Test your rented home if you live in a higher-risk area and keep all test reports and photos as evidence.
- Ask your landlord to remediate in writing, then report to your local council if there is no timely action.
- If informal steps fail, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or courts can hear disputes about safety and repairs.
Help and Support / Resources
- Radon in the home - GOV.UK
- How to complain about your landlord - GOV.UK
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
