Report an air quality concern

Odour is considered to be a form of air pollution. It is also seen as a statutory nuisance if:

• it can be shown to be harmful to the health of the average person or
• if it interferes with the use or enjoyment of your property

The most common source of odour complaints is commercial cooking. 

What we can't do

We can't intervene in issues of domestic odour such as:

• domestic cooking
• cigarette smoke

If you smell gas

You should contact National Gas Emergencies by:

• calling 0800 111 999 or
• visiting the national grid website

If the odour is from the sewage treatment works

This should also be reported to Thames Water on 0845 641 0030.

When to contact the emergency services

If you smell something that you think poses an immediate threat to your health, such as petrol, contact the emergency services. 

Report an odour

In most cases, the best way to stop an odour nuisance is by speaking to the person responsible for causing it. They may not know that they are causing a disturbance. 

If this doesn't work, you can report the issue to us by:

Report an odour with our online form

• sending an email to our environmental health team
• calling us on 0208 770 5000 

You'll need to tell us:

• about the problem
• where the problem is (your address an the address of the problem)
• your name
• your contact details
• the day, time and the weather conditions

You'll also need to try to describe the type of smell in order to help us identify the source.

We don't accept anonymous reports. This is because we need to be able to contact you to discuss the issue.

Your identity will be protected under data protection regulations. You should keep in mind that if your report goes to court your identity may need to be revealed.