If there is an emergency where you require police, fire services or an ambulance you should call 999 immediately.
For all emergency repairs you should alert your landlord as soon as possible about the issue so that they can take action to resolve it. You may wish to call your landlord to inform them of an emergency but you should also tell them in writing to ensure that you have a record of reporting the issue.
Gas
If you suspect you have a gas leak or you can smell gas, you should immediately evacuate the property and then contact the National Grid Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
You can read about your landlords responsibilities regarding gas safety here.
Oil
If you can smell oil it may mean that there is a leak or maintenance problem. You should contact your landlord so that they can arrange for a professional to investigate and resolve the issue.
Fire
If there is a fire, you should immediately evacuate the property and then contact the emergency services.
If you have been made homeless by fire you should contact your local council as they normally have a duty to provide emergency accommodation in these circumstances.
Water leak
Try to locate the source of the leak and if you are able to turn the stop valve to stop the water. You should contact your landlord to inform them so that they can arrange for the leak to be repaired.
You may also want to contact your water provider about your bill as you could be entitled to leak allowance to reduce a high water bill incurred by a leak.
Citizens Advice provides more information in the event that the leak is from a neighbouring property:
No water/No power
You should contact your landlord so that they can arrange for a professional to investigate and resolve the issue.
We have more information about which repairs your landlord is responsible for here.
If repairs are not done you should contact:
- The environmental health department at your local council
- The Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP) if you are in Scotland