Leak, mold, gas smell or electrical problem in your rental

Some problems are not for a repair letter first. Get safe, then tell your landlord the same day, with dated photos. This page covers the four problems Dingkeep treats as safety issues.

Updated October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Rules about rentals differ by state, province and city, so check yours.

Walk the whole place and photograph it as it is. This clip: the side of a house after a branch came down.

A gas smell

Leave right away and do not use switches, lighters or phones inside. Call your gas utility or your local emergency number from outside. Then tell your landlord in writing.

An active leak

If it is safe to do so, turn off the water at the shutoff valve for that fixture or at the main. Move belongings away from the water. Photograph the source and the damage, and tell your landlord right away. Keep a record of the time you reported it.

Electrical problems

Sparks, burning smells, hot outlets or water near electrics are not a do-it-yourself job. Stay away from the problem, switch off power to that area only if you can do it safely, and call your landlord or an emergency number if there is danger.

Spreading mold

Photograph it and note where it is and how big it looks. Do not scrub or disturb it. Tell your landlord in writing and ask what they will do. If someone in the home has health symptoms, talk to a doctor.

Then, write it down

Once you are safe, send a short written message with dated photos. Use our repair request template. Keep a copy, and note any reply. This is also the record you will want at move-out; see how to document damage in a rental.

In Dingkeep. In Dingkeep, an electrical problem, a gas smell, an active leak or mold always gets safety guidance and a dated landlord note, with no do-it-yourself steps. That guidance is never hidden.

Dingkeep: Renter Photo Record. iPhone, United States and Canada.

Questions renters ask

Should I call my landlord or an emergency number?

If there is danger, such as a gas smell, fire risk or flooding, call your emergency number or the utility first, then your landlord.

Can I fix a leak myself?

Stopping the water at a shutoff valve is reasonable if it is safe. Repairs are generally the landlord's job. Check your lease and local rules.

Is Dingkeep a safety service?

No. It gives general information and a draft note. In an emergency call your local emergency number.