Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador should understand what to do if they suspect a gas leak in their rental unit. This guide explains practical steps renters can take to stay safe, when to contact your landlord or gas provider, and how to report ongoing hazards to the appropriate provincial tribunal or inspector. It also covers landlord duties for maintenance and timely repairs, the importance of written records, and tenant protections during emergencies. Read on for clear, tenant-focused advice on emergency response, legal forms you may need, and how to preserve your rights while keeping you and others safe in your rental home.
Immediate actions for tenants
If you smell gas (a rotten-egg or sulfur smell), act fast. Do not use electrical switches, phones inside the building, or anything that could spark. Follow these steps:
- Leave the building immediately and move to a safe distance.
- Call 911 if anyone is unwell or the leak is life-threatening.
- Avoid lighting matches, using lighters, or turning electrical devices on or off.
- If it is safe to do so, and you know the location, shut off the appliance or the main gas valve at the meter.
Who to call and when
After you are safe, notify the appropriate parties depending on the situation:
- Call the gas company's emergency line to report the leak; they can confirm and isolate supply.
- Contact your landlord or property manager as soon as possible to report the issue and request repairs.
- If the landlord does not act promptly, consider filing an application with the provincial tenancy tribunal or consumer protection office for emergency repairs or orders.[1]
Landlord responsibilities in Newfoundland and Labrador
Landlords are generally required to keep rental units in a state of repair and fit for habitation. That includes maintaining gas lines, appliances, and ventilation so they are safe for tenants. If a gas leak occurs, landlords must arrange immediate repairs and coordinate with the gas utility and qualified technicians. Tenants should request repairs in writing and keep copies of notices and responses.
Documentation and evidence
Good records help resolve disputes and protect your rights. When you report a leak or request repairs, save:
- Copies of written notices, emails, and text messages to your landlord or property manager.
- Photos or videos that show emergency responders or repair work.
- Dates and times of calls, arrivals of technicians, or displaced time away from the unit.
When to involve the tribunal or an inspector
If repairs are delayed or a landlord fails to act on a reported gas leak, you may have options such as filing for an order for repairs, rent abatement, or other remedies through the provincial tribunal. Look for forms and instructions on the government site for filing an application and follow deadlines closely. For emergency hazards, the gas utility and local emergency services can also issue immediate orders or isolations.[3]
Preventive steps tenants can take
- Arrange safe use and regular maintenance of tenant-owned gas appliances and request written permission if changes are needed.
- Report strange smells, hissing sounds, or carbon monoxide alarms promptly to your landlord and utility provider.
- Know the location of the main gas shutoff and the emergency number for your utility.
FAQ
- What should I do if I smell gas in my rental unit?
- Leave the building immediately, avoid using electrical switches or phones indoors, call 911 if anyone is injured, and report the leak to the gas utility from a safe location.
- Can I withhold rent if my landlord does not fix a gas leak?
- You should not withhold rent without following the proper legal process. File an application with the provincial tribunal for emergency repairs or rent adjustment and keep paying rent as required unless the tribunal orders otherwise.[1]
- Who enforces gas safety and what forms do I need?
- Gas safety is enforced by the gas utility, emergency services, and provincial tenancy or consumer protection bodies. If you apply to the tribunal you may need an application form specific to residential tenancies; check the official forms page for names and numbers before filing.[3]
How-To
- Leave the property immediately and go to a safe location away from the building.
- From a safe location, call 911 if there is immediate danger; then call the gas company's emergency line.
- Inform your landlord or property manager in writing about the leak and keep a copy of your message.
- Follow instructions from emergency responders and the gas utility; allow qualified technicians to inspect and repair the source.
- If the landlord does not arrange timely repairs, file the appropriate application with the provincial tribunal for orders or remedies.[1]
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential tenancies information (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
- FortisNL emergency and safety (gas emergency contact)
- Residential Tenancies forms and applications (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
