You will get a certain amount of propane smell below the filler cover,however if its excessive get it looked at.Is it her own tank or is it supplied by Calor.Either way it needs inspecting.Tell her to call the gas supplier and voice her concerns.Sunken tanks do have a finite life and should be inspected annually.If it is leaking the supplier will empty the tank and refuse to refill until faults are rectified. Calor no longer sell tanks, they only rent.All future issues are then rectified by Calor.Rental is around £100 per year....£1000 to install a sunken tank and f.o.c. for an above ground tank.