Radon Testing Rights for Nova Scotia Renters

Many renters worry about radon because it is an invisible gas that can increase lung cancer risk. If you rent in Nova Scotia, you may wonder whether you can test your unit, who pays, and what to do if levels are high. This guide explains tenant rights around radon testing and remediation in clear, practical language, including how to ask your landlord, what official forms and tribunals are involved, and steps to protect your household. It is written for tenants without legal training and includes simple action steps, sample wording for requests, and links to provincial support so you can act with confidence.

What is radon and why it matters

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes through foundation cracks and accumulate to harmful levels over time. Long-term exposure to elevated radon increases lung cancer risk, especially for smokers. Health Canada recommends using an approved long-term test kit (usually 90 days) to measure exposure and has guidance on acceptable action levels and mitigation methods ^[1].

Do Nova Scotia renters have a right to test?

Tenants generally have the right to know about hazards and to request a radon test. If you rent, start by asking the landlord in writing for permission to place an approved test kit or for the landlord to arrange testing. Keep a dated copy of any request. If your landlord is unfamiliar with radon, point them to official guidance and offer to share the test results.

• Serve a written notice or request to the landlord asking for radon testing and keep a dated copy for your records.
• Offer a cost-sharing proposal if you can—suggest splitting the testing or mitigation cost if negotiation helps reach a solution.
• Order a Health Canada–approved long-term test kit and place it in the lowest lived-in level for at least 90 days to get accurate results.
• Keep all test results, photos of test placement, receipts, and written communications as evidence in case you need to file a dispute.

What if the landlord refuses or ignores the request?

If the landlord refuses or does not respond, you can file an application with the provincial tenancy tribunal or complaint unit that handles residential tenancy disputes in Nova Scotia ^[2]. Include your test results, the written request you served, and any receipts or mitigation quotes. The tribunal can order remedies or timelines for remediation under provincial tenancy rules and relevant legislation ^[3].

Official forms and practical examples

Common documents tenants may use:

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Board (Form name: Application to residential tenancy dispute; form number: N/A) — used when a landlord will not test or remediate; example: you file this form with attached test results and copies of your written requests.
• Request or Notice to Landlord (no formal province-wide template) — used to document your initial demand for testing; example: send a dated letter or email stating where you will place the test and ask for confirmation.

Remediation and timelines

If tests show elevated radon (Health Canada action level is 200 Bq/m3), the goal is to reduce indoor levels using proven mitigation measures such as improved ventilation or sub-slab depressurization. Work with qualified mitigators and get written quotes and timelines. If the landlord agrees, confirm cost, timeline, and access arrangements in writing.

• Ask for a clear remediation timeline and written confirmation of when work will start and finish.
• Get written quotes from qualified radon mitigators and keep receipts for any payments or agreements.
• After mitigation, run a follow-up long-term test to confirm levels have dropped and retain the results as evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Ask for testing in writing and keep dated copies of all communication as a tenant.
• Use Health Canada–approved long-term test kits and follow placement instructions for accurate results.
• If the landlord refuses, file an application with the provincial tenancy tribunal and include all evidence.

FAQ

Can I test my rental unit for radon without the landlord's permission?

Yes, you can buy and place an approved long-term radon test in your unit, but give your landlord notice in writing and keep a dated copy to show you followed a reasonable process.

Who usually pays for testing and remediation?

Payment depends on negotiation and local tenancy rules; landlords are often responsible for remediation, while testing costs may be negotiated or split. If a tribunal orders remediation, the landlord is usually required to pay.

What evidence should I bring if I file a dispute?

Bring original test results, photos showing test placement, dated written requests to the landlord, receipts for kits or mitigation quotes, and any correspondence.

How long do reliable radon tests take?

Long-term tests run for at least 90 days and are the preferred method for accurate measurement of average exposure.

How-To

1. Serve a written notice to your landlord requesting radon testing and keep a dated copy.
2. Order and place a Health Canada–approved long-term test kit in the lowest lived-in level for at least 90 days and follow the kit instructions.
3. Collect and save test results, photos of placement, receipts, and all written communications as evidence.
4. If results are above the action level, ask the landlord in writing to remediate and request a timeline in writing.
5. If the landlord refuses, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board and attach your evidence.
6. Attend any hearing, present your documentation, and request an order for remediation and verification testing.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies - Government of Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia Health — public health resources
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia

1. [1] Health Canada — Radon information and guidance
2. [2] Government of Nova Scotia — Residential tenancies and dispute resolution
3. [3] Nova Scotia Legislature — Residential Tenancies Act and related legislation