Landlord Responsibility-Tenant did a radon test..came back high

[Patrick LeTourneau]

Hello-

I rented out an old single family house that was recently remodeled in Wisconsin this spring on 1 year lease.  Tenant noticed some water leaking into the unfinished basement (which I was unaware of)  so rather than calling me (she says she didn't want to bother me), she called a contractor to get an idea of what could be done before letting me know.  While the contractor was there, he also did a radon test.  My tenant called last night concerned because the radon test came back "high".  I have not yet seen the results myself to know what "high" is, but I'm taking her word for it.  Assuming it is high, I will install a radon mitigation system as I believe it is the right thing to do...I wouldn't want to live in a house with high radon with my family.  She and her family seem to be good renters (paying early, upgrading landscaping, etc).  Even though I plan on putting a radon mitigation system in if it is high, i was curious and it got me thinking....Would I be required (as the landlord) to install a mitigation system even though I did not authorize the test? wi

[Mike Cumbie]

While he was there? Don't Radon tests require a device to be left for 48 hours? So your tenant called some random contractor. This random contractor for some reason decided that running a test that home inspectors add $150 for was just something he would do for free? Left it for 48 hours and then came back to get it and read it, (Read: Second free trip) Because of a water issue in the basement? I'd find out who that contractor was in relation to the tenant. My gut says you are going to find it is a relative and someone is looking to take you for a ride.