Radon in Apartments in Linkoping – A Practical Guide for Renters

Radon in apartments in Linkoping is an environmental hazard that many tenants are unaware of. This radioactive gas seeps up from the ground and can accumulate in basements and lower floors, posing a long-term health risk. As a renter in Linkoping, it is important to understand what radon is, how to test for it, and what actions you can demand from your landlord.

What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium in the soil decays. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In Sweden, radon is a widespread problem, particularly in certain regions. Linkoping is located in an area where radon levels can vary significantly between buildings. Long-term exposure to high radon concentrations dramatically increases the risk of lung cancer, even for non-smokers.

Radon enters through cracks in foundations, open joints, and other gaps. It accumulates especially in basements and ground floors where ventilation is poor. An apartment on the third floor may have low radon levels while the unit directly below may have high levels.

Step 1: Understand Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have the right to a safe and healthy home. This means the landlord is responsible for keeping the apartment free from environmental hazards, including high radon concentrations. If radon levels exceed recommended values (200 Bq/m³ according to Swedish guidelines), you can demand that the landlord take action.

Always document your communication with the landlord in writing. Save emails and photographs. If the landlord refuses to act, you can contact tenant organizations for guidance.

Step 2: Purchase a Radon Testing Kit or Contact a Professional

The first practical step is radon testing in your apartment. You have two options:

Self-testing: Buy a passive radon testing kit from a pharmacy or online. These cost between 200–400 SEK and are easy to use. You place the detector in the part of the apartment where you spend the most time, often the bedroom or living room.

Professional testing: Contact an authorized radon testing company. They use more advanced equipment and can provide detailed reports. This service costs between 1500–3000 SEK but provides higher precision.

Step 3: Place the Detector in the Right Location

Placement is critical for accurate results. The detector should be placed:

In the room where you spend the most time (bedroom or living room)
At least 20 cm from walls and corners
Away from windows or doors
Not in the kitchen or bathroom (where ventilation is higher)
At a height between 0.5–2 meters from the floor

Leave the detector in place for at least 2–3 months for a representative result. Shorter measurement periods can give misleading values.

Step 4: Interpret Your Radon Test Results

When the measurement period is complete, send the detector to the laboratory or read the result according to the instructions. Results are expressed in Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic meter).

Swedish guidelines:

Below 100 Bq/m³: Low radon level, no action required
100–200 Bq/m³: Moderate level, monitoring recommended
Above 200 Bq/m³: High levels, action should be taken

If results show high values, request a second measurement to confirm. Radon levels can vary seasonally, so testing during the winter months is often more representative.

Step 5: Communicate Results to Your Landlord

Send the test results to your landlord along with a written message. Present the results professionally and refer to Swedish radon guidelines. Request a meeting to discuss possible remediation measures.

Your landlord cannot ignore documented high radon values. It is a housing adaptation that must be addressed to meet your right to a safe home. Document all calls and emails.

Step 6: Radon Remediation in Rental Apartments – Possible Solutions

If radon testing shows high values, several remediation measures are available:

Improved ventilation: Install or upgrade mechanical ventilation. This is often the most cost-effective solution.

Seal gaps: Repair cracks in the foundation and joints where radon can enter.

Increased air circulation: Open windows regularly, especially in evenings and at night.

Depressurization system: In severe cases, a depressurization system can be installed in the basement to draw radon away from the apartment.

The landlord is responsible for covering the costs of these measures. You should not have to pay for radon remediation yourself.

Step 7: Follow Up on Remediation

Once measures have been implemented, request a follow-up radon test after 2–3 months. This confirms that the measures were effective. If radon levels remain high, additional measures may be required.

Keep all documentation from tests and remediation work. If you later move or need to prove that the landlord failed to act, this documentation is valuable evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon in Linkoping Apartments

Can I break my lease due to high radon?

If the landlord refuses to address documented high radon, you may be able to terminate your lease in some cases. Contact tenant organizations for legal advice. You must have written documentation of the problem and the landlord's refusal to act.

How often should I test for radon?

Testing once every three years is reasonable for long-term monitoring. If you previously had high values and remediation has been completed, test annually for the first two years to confirm effectiveness.

Is radon testing mandatory for landlords?

In Sweden, radon testing is not legally mandatory for landlords, but it is strongly recommended. A responsible landlord should test for radon in their properties to ensure tenant health and safety.

Radon in Apartments in Linkoping: Testing and Solutions