Responding to Rental Property
Gas Leak Emergencies

Gas leak emergencies can result in the type of tragic events that we see in newspaper headlines every so often - homes or buildings that have been leveled due to explosions from gas leaks. Gas leaks certainly can be deadly, and knowing how to respond to them can save life, limb and property.

A gas leak can be detected by a "rotten-egg" smell. This odor is specifically added to natural gas (which is odorless) by gas utility companies as a safety precaution so that leaks can be detected by occupants.

Dealing with Gas Leaks

The following actions should be taken for dealing with gas leaks in your rental property…

1.) For a "Slight-Odor" of Gas

A faint odor of gas is usually caused from a gas pilot that has gone out on a gas appliance (stove, water heater, etc.). To deal with this situation, open the windows (from the top) and doors in the room and re-light the pilot. If this does not solve the problem, or if the pilot cannot be re-lit, then close the gas shutoff valve to the appliance and call the gas company immediately.

2.) For a "Strong-Odor" of Gas

This presents an extremely dangerous situation and the following actions will have to be taken immediately:

• Alert all occupants to exit the building and get out immediately.
• While exiting the building, do not attempt to operate any gas or electric appliance, do not turn on (or off) any light switches, and do not use the telephone or light a match. Any of these actions could cause the gas to explode.
• From a safe distance away (neighbor's house) or using your cell phone, call 911 or the gas company.

For more in-depth information about gas leak emergencies and other serious rental property hazards, please visit The Landlord's Library book collection. It's a great resource and provides all the information you'll ever need to maximize your success as a residential landlord.