Des Moines eyes mandatory radon testing in rentals
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Des Moines is weighing mandatory testing in rental properties for radon, a leading environmental cancer risk in Iowa.
Why it matters: The move could close a gap in housing safety rules, which can leave renters exposed without their knowledge or any ability to make landlords test and fix the problem.
Driving the news: Des Moines City Councilperson Josh Mandelbaum tells Axios that he recently received correspondence from a constituent whose landlord wouldn't conduct a radon test, leaving her with a choice to test on her own or move out.
- He asked the City Council to direct municipal staff to consider a proposal to require radon testing and mitigation when levels are high as a condition for obtaining a city rental certificate.
- Mayor Connie Boesen said staff had already begun looking into the issue and the council approved proceeding with a review.
Context: Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from soil and rock and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., according to the EPA.
- Iowa has some of the nation's highest average radon levels because of its geology.
State of play: Iowa has required sellers of residential property to disclose known tests since at least 2009, but the law doesn't require testing.
- In May, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 2297, directing the state building code commissioner to expand radon mitigation requirements for new single-family and two-family homes.
Friction point: Iowa Realtors oppose mandates that would raise housing costs, spokesperson Ashlee Kieler tells Axios.
- Landlords of Iowa president Tony Jacobsen tells Axios that while his group isn't familiar with DSM's discussions, it generally discourages additional requirements that can increase costs and undermine affordable rents.
The other side: Mandelbaum said he views the costs as part of providing safe housing and does not think city assistance would be necessary.
Zoom in: Radon mitigation commonly costs a few thousand dollars in a single-family home, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Zoom out: State radon rules for rentals vary widely, according to data published by the National Center for Healthy Housing.
- Maine has one of the clearest statewide rental requirements: Landlords must test buildings and provide tenants with the results, and either party may terminate the lease if the levels are high.
- Other states require radon disclosures in real estate sales rather than broad testing of rental properties.
What's next: While the review is underway, a timeline for recommendations is undetermined, DSM spokesperson Devin Perry tells Axios.