Radon is an invisible, odourless gas that can build up in homes and increase long‑term health risks. As a tenant in Wales you have the right to a safe, habitable home, and understanding radon testing, landlord responsibilities and practical steps can protect your household. This guide explains how radon is measured, when to ask your landlord for action, which official forms or reports may be involved, and how to raise concerns with the correct authority. It also covers what to do if repairs are delayed, how to gather evidence for a complaint, and where to find tribunal help. Use these clear, practical steps to reduce exposure and ensure landlords meet their legal duties for rented accommodation in Wales.
What is radon and why it matters
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released by soil and rock. It can enter buildings through gaps in foundations, floorboards or service ducts and accumulate to levels that raise long‑term lung cancer risk. Testing is the only practical way to know whether a rented property has elevated radon levels; short‑term kits or long‑term detectors show real readings and trends. If you live in an area known for higher radon potential you should consider testing, particularly on the lowest occupied floor.
Who is responsible in rented homes
Landlords must provide accommodation that meets basic habitability standards and address hazards that affect health and safety. In Wales tenant protections and the duties that can affect repairs and enforcement are framed by national housing law and guidance; the primary statutes for England and Wales include the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977, which set out core landlord and tenant obligations and enforcement routes for some disputes.[3][4] Local authorities enforce health and safety hazards in housing using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
How tenants can test and gather evidence
Order a recognised test kit and place it according to the supplier instructions, usually on the lowest occupied floor away from drafts and direct sunlight. Public Health Wales publishes guidance on radon testing and supplying test kits for Wales. Public Health Wales radon guidance[1] Keep the test device safe, record deployment and collection dates, and store the laboratory report.
- Within 90 days, use a short‑term test kit or arrange a long‑term monitor for more reliable results.
- Contact your landlord in writing to request testing or remediation and keep a copy of the message.
- Keep records of readings, photographs of the property, dates, and all correspondence with the landlord.
What to do if a landlord does not act
If your landlord does not arrange testing or remedial work, you can ask your local authority to inspect and assess the property under HHSRS and other housing standards. To find the correct local environmental health or housing enforcement team use the UK government local council finder and submit an environmental health complaint through your council's online form. Find your local council[5]
- File a complaint with environmental health so the local authority can inspect and, if necessary, serve an improvement notice.
- If issues remain unresolved you can apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or use other court routes; see the official tribunal information for application details and forms. First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[2]
Forms and official steps tenants may need
- Environmental health complaint form (local council): used to ask your council to assess hazards under HHSRS; find your council and use their online reporting form to submit details and evidence.
- First‑tier Tribunal application (Property Chamber): used to raise unresolved disputes about repairs or statutory obligations when other routes are exhausted; check the tribunal pages for the correct application pack and guidance.[2]
- Radon testing guidance and kit order: Public Health Wales explains placement, interpretation and where to buy or obtain approved kits for Wales.[1]
FAQ
- Can I make my landlord pay for radon testing or remediation?
- Yes—if tests show elevated levels the landlord is usually responsible for remedial work to make the property safe; start by asking them in writing and, if they do not act, involve your local authority or the tribunal.
- How long should a radon test run for?
- Short‑term tests usually run a few days to three months; long‑term testing over winter gives a more reliable annual average. Follow the test supplier's instructions.
- Will reporting radon affect my tenancy?
- No—raising legitimate safety concerns is a protected action; if you face retaliation, seek advice from your local authority or the tribunal about unlawful retaliatory eviction or other protections.
How-To
- Within the first week you discover a concern, order or obtain a recognised radon test kit and note deployment dates.
- Contact your landlord in writing with the test plan and request testing or remediation; keep copies of all messages.
- Gather evidence: test results, photos, receipts, and a log of communications to support any complaint.
- File a complaint with your local council's environmental health service if the landlord does not act and request an inspection under HHSRS.
- If unresolved, consider filing an application to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) using the tribunal guidance and forms.
Help and Support / Resources
- Public Health Wales - Radon guidance and test kits
- First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) information
- Welsh Government - Renting a home in Wales
