Renters in New Brunswick can be exposed to radon, a colourless, odourless gas that increases long-term lung cancer risk. This guide explains what tenants should know about radon disclosure, how to ask your landlord for testing, and what records or evidence help protect your rights. It also covers when to involve provincial health authorities or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, and practical steps you can take whether you rent an apartment, condo, or house. Written for tenants without legal training, the information is focused on clear actions you can take to improve safety, document concerns, and seek a remedy if testing shows elevated radon levels.
What radon is and why it matters for renters
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that moves up from the ground into buildings. Long-term exposure to elevated radon increases lung cancer risk; levels vary by location and building construction. Tenants should know that radon cannot be smelled or seen, so testing is the only way to confirm indoor levels. For testing guidance and health thresholds, refer to federal guidance and New Brunswick public health resources.[1][2]
What landlords and tenants are expected to do
New Brunswick tenancy rules and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal handle many rental disputes, including habitability and safety concerns. While there is no province-wide mandatory "radon disclosure" form required specifically for every tenancy, landlords have a general obligation to provide a safe and habitable dwelling under provincial tenancy law. If you cannot resolve testing or mitigation with your landlord, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal is the official body to contact for formal applications or hearings.[3]
Practical documents and forms you may use
- Written request to landlord: a simple dated letter or email asking for radon testing and a proposed timeline.
- Testing records: copies of long-term test results, photographs of test placement, and the laboratory report showing radon concentration.
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal: use the tribunal's application form if a formal remedy or hearing is needed (see Help and Support links below).
You can also share official testing guides with your landlord to agree on methodology and placement for reliable results. If a landlord agrees to test, keep a copy of the agreement and the test kit or lab instructions used.
How to ask for a radon test and what to expect
Follow a clear sequence: ask in writing, propose a long-term test (three months or more in colder months), offer to share results, and request mitigation if levels exceed Health Canada guidelines. If a landlord refuses, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Keep copies of all communications and test results to support your case.
FAQ
- Does New Brunswick require landlords to disclose radon levels to tenants?
- No specific province-wide radon disclosure form is mandated for all rentals, but landlords must meet habitability obligations under tenancy law; tenants can request testing and the tribunal can hear disputes.[3]
- How do I get my rental tested for radon?
- Ask your landlord in writing for a long-term test (three months in the heating season) or obtain an approved test kit; follow Health Canada testing instructions and keep the report as evidence.[1]
- What if my landlord won’t test or fix high radon levels?
- If informal requests fail, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include test results, communications, and a mitigation estimate as evidence.[3]
How-To
- Ask your landlord in writing within 7 days to arrange a long-term radon test and propose dates for placement.
- Offer to share or cover reasonable testing costs if that helps secure cooperation from the landlord.
- Conduct or supervise the test following Health Canada guidance and keep photos and lab reports as records.
- If results exceed the guideline, request written confirmation from the landlord and a mitigation plan or timeline for repairs.
- If the landlord refuses to act, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence and request a hearing.
- Keep contact details for local health authorities and the tribunal handy so you can request assistance or file an appeal if needed.
Key Takeaways
- Testing is the only reliable way to know radon levels in your rental unit.
- Keep written records of requests, test reports, and communications with your landlord.
- If informal resolution fails, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal can consider radon-related habitability claims.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)
- New Brunswick — Radon safety and testing
- Health Canada — Radon: information and testing
