Radon is an invisible, odourless gas that can increase lung cancer risk in homes. Tenants in Saskatchewan often ask whether landlords must test or fix radon, what results mean, and how to get help if there is a problem. This article explains renter-focused steps for asking for a test, what landlords should do to meet habitability expectations, how to read test results and when remediation is recommended. You will also find practical next steps, official forms and where to file disputes so renters and landlords can address radon safely and promptly in Saskatchewan.
Radon basics and who should act in Saskatchewan
Radon forms when uranium in soil breaks down and can enter buildings through foundation gaps. Health Canada recommends action when long-term radon is 200 Bq/m³ or higher. Saskatchewan currently provides information and dispute resolution through provincial resources, but there is not a single province-wide mandatory program that forces all landlords to test every unit; instead, landlords have general obligations to maintain a safe, habitable rental and tenants can request testing or remediation. For more detail on legal responsibilities see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Practical steps landlords should consider
Landlords aiming to meet habitability standards and reduce liability should follow clear steps to assess and address radon.
- Contact a certified radon measurement professional or supply a Health Canada-approved long-term test kit to tenants.
- Record and keep measurement results and dates; maintain a copy in property records and share results with tenants.
- Provide tenants with written notice of any testing plan and how results will be shared, and keep a copy of the notice for the file.
- If a long-term result is at or above 200 Bq/m³, arrange and document mitigation by a qualified contractor.
What tenants can do if they suspect high radon
If you are a tenant concerned about radon, start by asking your landlord in writing for a long-term test (90+ days). If the landlord won’t act, keep documented requests and gather evidence with an approved test kit. You may also request guidance or dispute resolution from the Office of Residential Tenancies.[2]
Testing methods and using results
Use a long-term alpha track detector or an approved continuous monitor following Health Canada guidance. Short-term tests can screen for possible problems but are less reliable. After testing:
- Document the detector type, placement, start and end dates, and the numeric result.
- Share results in writing with your landlord; keep copies for your records.
- If results meet or exceed 200 Bq/m³, ask the landlord to hire a mitigation professional to lower radon levels.
Houseme - your rental solution in Canada and tenant tools
Tenants can also use listing and landlord contact tools to find rentals or request service; when negotiating repairs or testing, retain all messages and receipts. For practical renter safety tips see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
When to seek official help or file an application
If a landlord refuses to test or remediate after documented requests, tenants may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for dispute resolution. Typical forms include applications to request an order to repair or to resolve an unaddressed health and safety concern; check the Office of Residential Tenancies website for the current application forms and filing instructions.[2]
FAQ
- Do Saskatchewan landlords have a legal duty to test rental units for radon?
- There is no single province-wide mandatory testing program that requires all landlords to test every unit, but landlords must maintain habitable premises and respond to tenant requests for testing or remediation under provincial tenancy rules.
- What radon level requires action?
- Health Canada recommends taking corrective action when long-term radon levels are at or above 200 Bq/m³; remediation aims to lower levels as much as reasonably possible.
- Can a tenant force a landlord to fix high radon?
- Tenants should request testing and remediation in writing and may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies if the landlord fails to address a documented health or safety issue.
How-To
- Contact your landlord in writing asking for a long-term radon test and keep a dated copy of the request.
- Obtain an approved long-term test (90+ days) and place it in the lowest lived-in level following instructions.
- Record the start and end dates and share the numeric result with your landlord in writing.
- If the long-term result is >= 200 Bq/m³, ask the landlord to arrange mitigation and provide copies of estimates or contractor reports.
- If the landlord does not act, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies with your documentation for dispute resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term radon tests (90+ days) give the most reliable exposure estimate.
- Health Canada action level is 200 Bq/m³ and remediation is recommended at or above this level.
- Document all requests, tests and communications to protect tenant and landlord rights.
