I smell gas — who do I call? · the UK

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 National Gas Emergency Service — 0800 111 999 (0800 111 999) from outside; it is free and staffed 24/7. If someone is unwell or the smell is strong, 112 — emergency (112). The gas company comes, makes it safe and tells you what was wrong. The landlord pays for repairs to the installation; Council Environmental Health / Housing Standards (gov.uk) can inspect an installation the landlord neglects.

Call firstNational Gas Emergency Service — 0800 111 999

Report to112 — emergency

If that failsCouncil Environmental Health / Housing Standards

🗣️ 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

National Gas Emergency Service — 0800 111 999Gas smell: 24/7 free responseImmediately, from outside📞 0800 111 999 🔗 www.nationalgas.com/safety-and-emergencies

112 — emergencyPolice, fire and ambulance, any EU country, freeDanger to life, fire, gas smell, someone hurt📞 112

Council Environmental Health / Housing StandardsUnfit housing, damp and mould, pests, noise, food hygieneWhen health is at risk at home🔗 www.gov.uk/report-problem-to-council

Your local councilNoise, waste, roads, housing standards, licensing, lost propertyFor anything the council handles🔗 www.gov.uk/find-local-council

❓ 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 Council Environmental Health / Housing Standards and refuse to use an uncertified appliance.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🛢️ I smell gas — who do I call?