Gas Leak Safety Procedures for Ontario Tenants

As a renter, knowing how to recognize and respond to a gas leak can protect you, your neighbours, and your rental home. This guide explains clear, practical steps Ontario tenants should take the moment they suspect a leak: immediate evacuation, who to call, how to shut off gas safely when trained, and how to document communication and damage. It also outlines landlord responsibilities under provincial rules and how to pursue emergency repairs or file an application if the problem isn’t fixed. The language here is plain and focused on actions tenants can take right now to stay safe, preserve evidence, and access the right official resources if a gas leak endangers your unit.

What to do if you smell gas

If you or anyone nearby smells natural gas (a rotten-egg odor or hissing sound), act immediately. Follow these priority steps below to reduce risk and preserve safety.

• Evacuate the unit immediately and move to a safe area outside.
• Avoid using electrical switches, lighters, or appliances; prioritize safety.
• Call 911 for danger or injuries, then contact the gas emergency line.
• Shut off the gas at the meter only if you know how and it is safe; preventing further risk can help.
• Notify your landlord or property manager immediately and record the time and details.

Who to call

Knowing the right contacts saves time. Call emergency services first, then the utility and your landlord.

• Call 911 for immediate danger or injuries.
• Contact Enbridge Gas emergency line for suspected natural gas leaks and follow their directions.^[3]
• Notify your landlord or property manager and keep a written log of communications and times.
• If the landlord does not respond, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for next steps.^[1]

Tenant rights and landlord responsibilities in Ontario

Under Ontario rules the landlord must maintain the rental unit in a state of good repair and provide vital services so the unit is safe and habitable. Tenants should report gas leaks and emergency safety hazards immediately in writing and by phone. If a landlord fails to act, tenants can contact the Landlord and Tenant Board for remedies and dispute resolution.^[1] The governing legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which explains responsibilities for repairs and emergency maintenance.^[2]

For practical safety and tenancy guidance, read more about Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and how to handle urgent repair situations in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

How to file a complaint or request emergency repairs

Follow clear steps so your request is formal and tracked. If repairs are urgent, make the initial report by phone and follow up in writing.

1. Evacuate and ensure everyone is safe outside before making calls.
2. Call 911 for immediate danger, then the gas emergency line.
3. Tell your landlord by phone and send a written notice (email or text) with the date, time, and photos of the issue.
4. If the landlord does not take timely action, submit an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board following their forms and instructions.^[1]
5. Keep copies of records, receipts, photos, and all communications to support any future claim.
6. Consider temporary relocation if the unit remains unsafe and ask the Board about compensation or remedies.

Official forms: Use the Landlord and Tenant Board application page to find the correct application form for your situation (applications vary by issue). When contacting the Board, include a clear description, timeline, evidence photos, and copies of your written repair requests and landlord responses.^[1]

FAQ

What should I do immediately if I smell gas?

Leave the unit right away, go to a safe outdoor area, call 911 for immediate danger, and then contact the gas emergency line and your landlord.

Can my landlord enter to fix a gas leak?

Landlords may enter in an emergency to make repairs, but they should follow lawful entry rules and notify you when possible.

What if my landlord doesn’t fix the leak?

If the landlord fails to act, document your requests and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for orders requiring repairs or compensation.^[1]

Will I have to move out if there is a gas leak?

Temporary relocation may be necessary for safety; ask your landlord about alternatives and tell the Board if you need compensation for relocation costs.

How-To

1. Recognize signs of a leak: rotten-egg smell, hissing sound, or dead plants near the meter.
2. Evacuate and call 911 if anyone is injured, then call the gas emergency line.
3. Notify your landlord immediately by phone and follow up with a written notice and photos.
4. If repairs are not made quickly, file the appropriate application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
5. Keep detailed records of calls, times, photos, receipts, and any expenses for relocation.
6. If unsafe, seek temporary housing and ask the Board about compensation options.

Help and Support / Resources

• Landlord and Tenant Board (Ontario) — hearings, applications, and forms
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 on Ontario e-Laws — rules about repairs and safety
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing — renting and tenant information

If you need short-term housing while repairs are arranged, consider local rental search tools such as Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to explore temporary options.

1. [1] Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Ontario e-Laws)
3. [3] Enbridge Gas - Report a gas leak (Emergency contact)