Published October 18, 2026 · Doorcount
What to tell tenants, before it ever happens
Put these steps in the move-in packet, near the water heater and furnace, and on your repair request form:
- Leave the unit and the building right away. Take people and pets; leave belongings.
- On the way out, do not flip light switches, unplug things, use appliances, or light anything.
- Once outside and away from the building, call 911 or the gas utility's emergency number.
- Wait outside until the utility or fire department says it is safe.
- Then let the landlord know what happened.
Why the landlord is not the first call
A gas leak needs people with the equipment to find and stop it. The gas utility and emergency services are set up for that. A landlord trying to diagnose a gas smell by phone only delays the right response.
What to do as the owner after the call
- Follow the utility's instructions. If they shut off gas to an appliance or the building, a licensed technician must repair it before service is restored.
- Check in with the tenant about heat, hot water and cooking while service is off, and arrange alternatives as your local rules require.
- Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working in units with gas appliances.
- Record the date, what was found and what was repaired.
- Schedule regular servicing for gas furnaces, water heaters and ranges.
Where a repair request tool fits
A repair form is for problems that can wait for a reply. It should never be the first step for a gas smell. In Repair Desk, every tenant form opens with the emergency notice telling tenants to get to safety and call 911 or the utility first.
Doorcount Repair Desk gives tenants one link for repair requests. Every form starts with the emergency notice, then it sorts urgent problems from what can wait and drafts your replies. Free plan for one small rental.
Try the tenant form →How Repair Desk worksQuick answers
What should a tenant do if they smell gas?
Leave right away, and do not use light switches, appliances, flames or anything that could spark on the way out. Once outside and away from the building, call 911 or the gas utility's emergency line.
Should the landlord be called first?
No. The gas utility or 911 comes first. Tell the landlord after you are safe and the call is made.
When can the tenant go back inside?
Only after the gas utility or fire department says it is safe. Repairs should be done by a licensed technician.