Landlord Legionella Responsibilities
As a landlord, ensuring the health and safety of your tenants is a critical legal obligation. Legionella risk management is a vital part of this duty, helping to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your property's water systems. Cumbria Legionella Services provides professional assessments and clear guidance to ensure your properties remain safe, compliant, and reassures both you and your tenants.
Key Legal Responsibilities for Landlords
Identification of Risk
Landlords have a non-delegable duty to assess whether the water system exposes tenants or others to any risk from Legionella bacteria.
- Assess the whole property water cycle
- Identify potential 'dead legs' in pipework
- Monitor hot and cold water storage temperatures
- Screen for debris or rust in tanks
Management and Control
Practical duties involve active measures to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the safety of water outlets in your rental properties.
- Flush water systems prior to new tenancies
- Ensure hot water is stored at 60°C or higher
- Keep cold water stored below 20°C throughout
- Regularly descale showerheads and taps
Review and Records
In Scotland, written reports are required. In all regions, keeping records of assessments and monitoring is essential for safety audits.
- Maintain written risk assessment reports
- Log all temperature monitoring results
- Keep receipts for any remedial work performed
- Store property safety history for at least 5 years
Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords
Is a Legionella risk assessment a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, landlords have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of their tenants by keeping their water systems safe from Legionella bacteria. This responsibility includes carrying out a Legionella risk assessment.
How often should the risk assessment be reviewed?
The HSE advises that risk assessments should be reviewed periodically. Industry best practice for residential properties in Cumbria is to conduct a review every 2 years, change of tenant or whenever there is a significant alteration to the water system.
Can I perform the assessment myself?
Landlords in England can perform assessments themselves if they are competent. In Scotland assessments must be carried out by a professional. Professional services provide technically rigorous inspections and compliance documentation that meet the highest regulatory and insurance standards.
What happen if I don’t comply with safety rules?
Non-compliance can lead to enforcement notices, heavy financial penalties, and potential prosecution. Critically, it also exposes your tenants to the health risks associated with Legionnaires' disease.
Do assessments apply to all rental properties?
Yes. Any property with a water storage tank, heater, or showerheads where bacteria could grow must be formally assessed. This applies to flats, houses, and HMOs across the private rental sector.
How long does a professional inspection take?
A standard inspection takes 30-60 minutes depending on property size. Following the visit, we deliver a full detailed report and safety certificate to you via email.
Legionnaires’ disease- a brief guide for duty holders (HSE):
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg458.pdf
Legionnaires’ disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems L8 (HSE):
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l8.pdf
Legionnaires’ disease: Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems HSG274 (HSE):
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg274part2.pdf