What Scottish Renters Should Do If They Smell Gas

Noticing a smell of gas in your Scottish rental property can be alarming. Acting quickly protects both your safety and your legal rights. In Scotland, tenants have clear responsibilities and protections relating to gas safety under current housing law. Below, you'll find step-by-step guidance, including what to do immediately, how to notify your landlord, and the official routes to address unresolved hazards.

Immediate Steps to Take If You Smell Gas

If you suspect a gas leak, always prioritise health and safety. Here’s what you should do:

• Do not use electrical switches: Do not turn any electrical appliances or lights on or off.
• Open doors and windows: Allow gas to disperse.
• Turn off the gas supply: Locate the gas emergency control valve (usually near your meter) and turn the handle to the off position, if safe to do so.
• Evacuate the property: Leave everyone out in fresh air until it is safe.
• Call the National Gas Emergency Service: Phone 0800 111 999 immediately from outside or a neighbour’s house. This is available 24/7 and is free to call throughout Scotland.

Your Rights as a Scottish Renter Regarding Gas Safety

Landlords must ensure the property is free from gas leaks and meets national safety requirements. This is enforced under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 as amended for Scotland and the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016¹.

• Landlords must provide you with a current Gas Safety Certificate (also called a CP12).
• Annual gas safety inspections by a Gas Safe registered engineer are mandatory.

If you have not received the safety certificate, ask your landlord in writing for a copy.

What If Your Landlord Fails to Act?

If your landlord does not respond immediately to a reported gas leak or doesn't resolve gas safety issues, you can take further action to protect yourself and other tenants.

Raise the Issue in Writing

• Write to your landlord explaining the problem and request urgent repairs.
• Keep a copy of your communication – email is ideal for a paper trail.

Contact Your Local Council

Scottish local authorities are responsible for ensuring landlords meet health and safety requirements. You can contact your local council’s Private Sector Housing or Environmental Health department.

Applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

If the landlord does not carry out necessary gas safety works, tenants can apply to the official tribunal that handles tenancy disputes: the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).²

Use the Repair Application Form: APPLICATION RR 001 if your landlord fails to address gas safety or make urgent repairs. This form lets you request a tribunal ruling instructing your landlord to fix the issues.

• Form Name: Repair Application Form (APPLICATION RR 001)
• When to use: When you have reported the problem in writing to your landlord but they have failed to act
• How to use: Complete the form, attaching evidence (emails, photos, Gas Safe reports), and submit to the Housing and Property Chamber. Read more on the official tribunal repair guidance.

Remember: Always collect evidence of the problem and your communications, as this will support your case if the issue escalates.

Key Laws Protecting You as a Renter

• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

These set out landlord duties and what steps you can take if obligations are not met.

FAQs: Gas Safety Issues in Scottish Rentals

1. What should I do immediately if I smell gas in my rental?
   Leave the property, avoid using electrical items, open windows for ventilation, switch off the gas supply if it is safe, and contact the National Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999.
2. Can a landlord be fined for gas safety failures in Scotland?
   Yes. Landlords who fail to comply with gas safety laws can be prosecuted and face substantial fines or even imprisonment under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations.
3. What official form should I use if my landlord ignores gas safety issues?
   File a Repair Application Form: APPLICATION RR 001 with the Housing and Property Chamber.
4. Who enforces landlord obligations in Scottish rentals?
   Duties are enforced by your local council’s Environmental Health department and, for unresolved disputes, by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
5. Does my landlord need to give me a Gas Safety Certificate?
   Yes. Landlords must give tenants a copy of the gas safety certificate (CP12) before you move in and after each annual inspection.

Conclusion: Essential Takeaways for Scottish Renters

• If you smell gas, act fast. Leave the property and call 0800 111 999 for emergency help.
• Landlords are legally required to provide annual gas safety checks and certificates.
• Unresolved gas safety issues can be raised with your council or the Housing and Property Chamber using the official Repair Application Form.

Knowing your rights ensures your safety and holds landlords to the standards required by Scottish law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government – Tenants’ Rights
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• How to report repairs to a private landlord (mygov.scot)
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Gas safety in rented properties
• Email for advice: private.housing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

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1. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
2. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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