I smell gas — who do I call?

Direct answer

Open windows, do not switch anything on or off — no lights, no phone inside, no doorbell — leave the building, and call the gas emergency number of 112 / gasbirgir (112) from outside; it is free and staffed 24/7. If someone is unwell or the smell is strong, Heilbrigðiseftirlit sveitarfélaga (samband.is). The gas company comes, makes it safe and tells you what was wrong. The landlord pays for repairs to the installation; Sveitarfélagið — þjónustuver (samband.is) can inspect an installation the landlord neglects.

Call first112 / gasbirgir

Report toHeilbrigðiseftirlit sveitarfélaga

If that failsSveitarfélagið — þjónustuver

🗣️ What to say

"I smell gas at [address], [floor / flat]. The smell is [strong / faint], since [time]. I have opened the windows and left the building. [Someone feels unwell.] Please send someone."

🪜 Step by step

Windows open, nothing switchedNo light switches, no lifts, no phone inside, no cigarettes. Turn off the gas at the meter only if it is safe and you know how.
Out, then callThe gas emergency line from outside. Warn neighbours by knocking, not by ringing.
Unwell? 112Headache, dizziness, nausea — get out and call the emergency number.
Let them inThe gas engineer must access the meter and appliances. Do not re-enter until told it is safe.
AfterwardsThe report names the fault. A rental: the landlord repairs; refuse to use the appliance until certified. Carbon-monoxide alarm: buy one.

📇 All contacts

112 / gasbirgirGas smell: 112 (no gas grid)Immediately, from outside📞 112 🔗 www.112.is

Heilbrigðiseftirlit sveitarfélagaUnhealthy housing, mould, pests, noiseWhen health is at risk at home🔗 www.samband.is/verkefni/umhverfismal/heilbrigdiseftirlit

Sveitarfélagið — þjónustuverNuisances, streets, waste, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles🔗 www.samband.is

Bjarkarhlíð — þjónustumiðstöð fyrir þolendur ofbeldisFree support, advice, compensation claimsAfter any crime📞 553 3000 🔗 www.bjarkarhlid.is

❓ Frequently asked

Is the emergency call free?

Yes, and it does not go on your bill. Never hesitate because of cost.

I am not sure it is gas

Call anyway. A false alarm costs nothing; a real one costs a building.

The landlord will not service the boiler

Annual gas safety checks are a legal duty in most countries; report to Sveitarfélagið — þjónustuver and refuse to use an uncertified appliance.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🛢️ I smell gas — who do I call?