Radon Testing and Responsibilities for Scottish Rentals

If you rent a home in Scotland, understanding radon — a naturally occurring radioactive gas — helps you protect your health and your rights as a tenant. Radon can build up indoors, and tenants often need to know when landlords must test or fix high levels, how to request a measurement, and what official steps to take if a problem is found. This guide explains tenant-focused responsibilities and remedies under Scottish law, practical next steps for asking for tests and repairs, what official forms and bodies are involved, and how to prepare evidence if you need to raise the matter with your landlord, local environmental health team or the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

What is radon and why it matters

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes from the ground. Long-term exposure at high levels increases the risk of lung cancer. Testing is the only reliable way to know whether a home has elevated radon and whether remediation is needed. UK guidance sets action levels and explains measurement methods.^[2]

Who is responsible for testing and fixing radon in Scottish rentals?

There is no separate radon-specific tenant duty; responsibilities fall under general landlord obligations to provide a habitable home and to meet statutory standards in private tenancies under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.^[1] If radon levels are high, landlords should arrange testing and remediation to keep the property safe. Tenants should report concerns in writing before taking further steps.

Practical steps tenants can take

• Ask your landlord in writing to arrange a radon test within a reasonable time, stating preferred dates and giving access details.
• Request information about previous tests or remediation works and ask for copies of any test reports or certificates.
• Keep dated records and photos of your written requests, test results, and any landlord replies for evidence.
• Contact your local council’s environmental health team if the landlord does not act, and ask what their inspection or complaint process will be.

Official forms and where to find them

There is no single national "radon remediation" form. Relevant official forms and pages you may need include:

• Application forms and guidance for the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) — use these when you cannot resolve repairs or safety issues with your landlord and need a tribunal order. For example, the tribunal provides application guidance for repairing standard and other tenancy enforcement applications; complete the appropriate application and submit supporting evidence.
• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) radon measurement guidance — this explains domestic measurement periods, approved detectors and how to order a test kit for a dwelling, plus interpretation of results.
• Local council environmental health contact pages — councils handle statutory nuisance, unusual hazards and enforcement where landlords fail to provide a safe home; procedures and complaint forms vary by council.

How to ask for testing and remediation (step-by-step)

1. Write to your landlord requesting a radon test and state a reasonable timescale for arranging access and testing (for example, within 14 days).
2. If the landlord agrees, ask which test kit will be used and request a copy of the final report when testing finishes.
3. If the landlord refuses or does not respond, contact your local environmental health team to ask about next steps and to make a formal complaint.
4. Collect evidence: dated written requests, photos, test results, and any medical or occupancy information that supports health concerns.
5. If necessary, apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) using the relevant application form and include your evidence and test reports.

FAQ

Who pays for a radon test in a rented property?

There is no fixed statutory rule for radon test costs, but landlords are responsible for providing a safe and habitable property; if a test reveals high radon, the landlord should arrange and pay for remediation. Tenants should ask the landlord to arrange testing first and keep written records if disputes arise.

What level of radon is considered high?

UK guidance sets an action level for long-term radon exposure; consult the UKHSA guidance to interpret test results and recommended actions for domestic properties.^[2]

Can I arrange my own radon test?

Yes. Tenants can arrange testing and share results with the landlord; use approved detectors and keep receipts and lab reports as evidence if you later raise the issue with environmental health or the tribunal.

How-To

1. Request testing from your landlord in writing and set a target date for access.
2. Obtain an approved test kit and follow measurement guidance (typically a long-term test lasting months).
3. Share results with your landlord and ask for a remediation plan if levels exceed the action level.
4. Contact environmental health if the landlord does not act, and prepare to apply to the tribunal with your evidence if needed.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants should request tests in writing and keep evidence to support any enforcement action.
• Use approved detectors and official guidance when measuring radon to ensure results are accepted by authorities.
• If the landlord does not act, apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) using its application forms.

Help and Support / Resources

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Scottish Government housing and environmental health advice
• UK Health Security Agency guidance on radon measurement and action

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1. [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] UK Health Security Agency: Radon in your home guidance - GOV.UK
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) - housingandpropertychamber.scot