Gas Leaks and Unsafe Gas Equipment

If you discover a gas leak or broken gas equipment in your rental home, you can take steps right away to protect your safety. This guide explains:

What you must do
What your landlord must do
What happens if the problem isn’t fixed

Tip:
Acting quickly—and keeping records—can help you end your lease and recover your security deposit if needed.

What if I have a gas leak or hazardous gas equipment in my rental home?

Step 1: Call 911 and move to safety

If you suspect there is a gas leak or hazardous gas equipment in your home, make sure you are safe before doing anything else.
Leave the home if you can.
Call 911 to report the gas leak.

Step 2: Tell your landlord in writing right away

You can send a text or email—just make sure you can prove it was sent and received.

Step 3: Contact the gas company

A licensed gas professional should inspect the property. If they find a hazard, they must give you a written description of the danger and possible causes.
Share this document with your landlord immediately.

Step 4: Give the landlord time to fix it—72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)

The repair must be done by a qualified professional.

What if my landlord doesn’t fix it?

You may choose to move out if the dangerous condition still exists after 72 business hours.
Your lease ends when you vacate.
You are no longer responsible for future rent.

Can I get my security deposit back?

After you move out, your landlord:

Must return your full (or partial) security deposit within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
If they keep any part of the deposit, they must give you a list of reasons why.

If they do not return the deposit or provide a written explanation:

They may owe you double the amount of the deposit.

Checklist

Notify your landlord and gas company in writing.
Keep copies of all messages, letters, and inspection reports.
Wait 72 business hours for repairs.
If repairs aren’t made and the hazard remains, move out and notify your landlord.
Request your security deposit in writing.
Track the 72-hour deadline for your refund.

Tip:
Always keep written proof—screenshots, emails, texts, or postal receipts—that your notices and requests were sent and received.

Need more help?

If you are low-income, a senior, or a veteran, you may qualify for free legal help from Colorado Legal Services (CLS). To apply or ask if you might qualify, go to the CLS website and find the office that serves your area. If you call or visit, CLS can help you in your native language.

You can get help from the courts. Every judicial district has staff called “Sherlocks” to help people with their legal questions. To find the Sherlock in your county, visit the Judicial Department’s Sherlock webpage.