What to Do If You Smell Gas in a Rental Property in Wales

If you’re renting a home in Wales and suddenly notice the smell of gas, knowing exactly what steps to take can protect you and those around you. Addressing gas leaks quickly is essential for everyone’s safety, and both tenants and landlords have important legal obligations under Welsh housing law.

Recognising the Smell of Gas in Your Rental

A strong, sulphur-like odor (similar to rotten eggs) is the key warning sign of a gas leak. Your sense of smell is designed to detect even small amounts of gas—never ignore it.

Immediate Steps to Take for Safety

Act quickly if you suspect a gas leak, following these important steps:

• Do not use electrical switches, appliances, or mobile phones inside the property, as sparks could ignite gas.
• Open all doors and windows to ventilate your home.
• Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it is safe to do so.
• Evacuate the property promptly.
• Once safely outside, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999.

Who Is Responsible for Gas Safety in a Welsh Rental?

By law, landlords in Wales must ensure that gas appliances, installations, and pipework are safe. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords are required to:

• Arrange an annual Gas Safety Check by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Provide tenants with a valid Gas Safety Record (CP12 certificate) within 28 days of the check and at the start of a new tenancy
• Repair any reported gas faults promptly

Tenants should not try to repair gas appliances themselves but must notify their landlord as soon as a problem arises.

Reporting Gas Issues to Your Landlord

After contacting the emergency services and ensuring your safety, you should let your landlord or letting agent know about the suspected gas leak and any steps taken. This helps your landlord arrange for proper repairs and meet their legal duties.

Documenting Your Concern

• Send written notice (email or letter) to your landlord about the gas issue
• Keep a copy of any correspondence and photographs (if relevant)

If your landlord fails to act quickly on reported gas safety issues, you can escalate your complaint to your local authority's environmental health department.

How to Raise a Complaint: Forms and Tribunal Process

If your landlord does not respond to urgent gas safety concerns, you have several official avenues:

• Contact your local council’s housing or environmental health team to report safety hazards. They can investigate and order repairs if necessary. Find council contact details on Find your local council.
• You may file a complaint with Rent Smart Wales if you believe your landlord is in breach of their responsibilities: Report a complaint to Rent Smart Wales.
• If a dispute continues, the official tribunal for tenant-landlord issues in Wales is the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales. This body handles serious disputes over repairs, fitness for human habitation, or licensing.

Official Forms Relevant to Gas Safety

• Environmental Health Hazard Report (no standard national form, but your local council will provide guidance): Use this to alert the council if urgent safety hazards are ignored. Submit by phone, online, or in person. Example: You report a persistent gas smell that your landlord has failed to address. The council investigates and can issue a formal notice to your landlord.
• Rent Smart Wales Complaint Form: Report your landlord’s failure to comply with licensing or safety requirements. Access the online complaint form here.

Disputes that escalate may go before the Residential Property Tribunal for Wales for resolution.

Understanding Your Legal Rights Under Welsh Law

Gas safety in rentals is enforced under:

• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

These laws ensure tenants are protected and outline both landlord and tenant responsibilities. Your rights include safe accommodation and timely repairs to gas installations. If these are not upheld, enforcement action can be taken against landlords.[1][2]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who pays for gas leak repairs in a rental property?
   Landlords are responsible for the repair and maintenance of gas appliances, pipework, and flues. You should not pay for safety repairs or gas checks unless you have caused damage through misuse.
2. How often should gas appliances be checked in my rented home?
   By law, your landlord must have all gas appliances and flues checked annually by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, and provide you with a copy of the Gas Safety Record (CP12 certificate).
3. What if my landlord refuses to fix a gas leak?
   If your landlord fails to take urgent action, contact your local council’s environmental health department or file a formal complaint with Rent Smart Wales. In severe cases, the council can order repairs or prosecute landlords.
4. Can my landlord enter my home to carry out emergency gas repairs?
   Yes, in an emergency such as a gas leak, landlords can enter without notice to carry out necessary repairs for safety reasons. They should, however, attempt to notify you if practical to do so.
5. How can I check if my landlord’s gas safety certificate is valid?
   Your landlord must give you a copy of the current certificate. You can also check the engineer’s credentials on the Gas Safe Register.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Wales

• Evacuate and call the National Gas Emergency number immediately if you smell gas.
• Your landlord is legally responsible for keeping gas installations safe and arranging annual checks.
• Don’t attempt repairs yourself—always report issues formally to your landlord and seek help from your council if necessary.

Acting quickly and knowing your rights ensures everyone’s safety and keeps your home compliant with Welsh housing law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• National Gas Emergencies: 0800 111 999
• Find your local council: Environmental Health and Housing Teams
• Rent Smart Wales: Report a Complaint
• Residential Property Tribunal for Wales
• Gas Safe Register: Check a Gas Engineer

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

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