Radon in Rental Properties and Multi-Unit Buildings
Radon is a concern in rental housing, condominiums, townhouses, and multi-unit residential buildings — not just single-family homes. Tenants, landlords, strata councils, and property managers all have a stake in understanding and addressing radon exposure.
Why Rental Properties Matter
Tenants who live in lower-level units — basement suites, garden-level apartments, ground-floor condos — face the same radon exposure risks as homeowners. In many cases they may be unaware of radon entirely, and have little ability to test or remediate on their own.
Radon doesn't care about property ownership. Long-term exposure above 200 Bq/m³ increases lung cancer risk regardless of whether the occupant owns or rents.
Landlord and Property Manager Responsibilities
Radon regulations for rental housing vary by province and are evolving. As of 2026:
- Some provinces have explicit radon disclosure or remediation requirements for rental properties
- Most provinces require landlords to maintain housing in a habitable, safe condition — which increasingly may include addressing known radon hazards
- National building codes now include radon rough-in provisions for new construction in higher-risk areas
Regardless of legal requirements, testing rental properties is a sound risk management and liability practice.
Recommended approach for landlords
- Test every occupied ground-floor and basement unit with a long-term alpha-track kit (90 days)
- If levels are at or above 200 Bq/m³, arrange mitigation before lease renewal or within the Health Canada recommended timeline
- Document results and remediation steps
- Retest 30–90 days after mitigation to confirm effectiveness
Strata Councils and Condominiums
In multi-unit strata buildings, radon mitigation may require coordination between unit owners, strata council, and the building envelope. Sub-slab depressurization systems can often be designed to service multiple units from a common suction point. A qualified radon mitigator can assess building-wide options.
Strata councils can take proactive steps by commissioning a building-wide radon assessment, particularly for lower floors.
Testing for Rental Properties
For properties with multiple units or floors, test each ground-level and basement unit independently. Two units in the same building can have very different radon levels depending on foundation contact, unit layout, and ventilation.
- Long-term (most accurate): Radtrak³ Alpha Track Kit — $59.95
- Quick screening: Corentium Home — $179.99 (reusable across units)
Contact us for bulk test kit pricing →
Mitigation in Rental Properties
Mitigation works the same way in rental properties as in owner-occupied homes. A radon fan, PVC piping, and a sealed suction point will reduce levels in most buildings. In basement suites with their own foundation contact, a dedicated system is typically straightforward to install.
Shop mitigation fans → | How mitigation works →
