Legionella Responsibilities for Landlords: A Vital Guide to Water Hygiene Compliance

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants is a fundamental duty for landlords. One significant yet often overlooked risk in rental properties is Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease—a potentially severe form of pneumonia. Understanding and fulfilling your Legionella responsibilities is essential for compliance with health and safety regulations and protecting tenants.

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a bacteria found in natural water sources such as rivers and lakes but can also thrive in man-made water systems like plumbing, water tanks, and cooling towers. If inhaled via water droplets from showers, taps, or air conditioning units, it can lead to serious illness, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Landlords’ Legal Legionella Responsibilities

Under health and safety law, landlords have a duty to assess and control the risk of Legionella in their properties. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), landlords must:

• Conduct a Legionella Risk Assessment – Identify potential hazards in the water system and assess the level of risk.
• Implement Control Measures – Reduce the risk of Legionella growth by maintaining proper water hygiene.
• Regularly Review and Monitor the System – Ensure that water temperatures and conditions do not encourage bacterial growth.
• Provide Tenant Guidance – Inform tenants about water usage and precautions to minimize risk.

Legionella Risk Assessment

A Legionella risk assessment is a crucial step in managing water hygiene. While there is no strict legal requirement for a professional to conduct it, landlords should ensure it is carried out competently. The assessment should cover:

• Water Temperature – Keeping hot water above 50°C and cold water below 20°C to prevent Legionella growth.
• Stagnant Water Risks – Identifying unused pipes, tanks, or areas where water can stagnate.
• Showerheads and Taps – Checking for scale buildup and ensuring regular cleaning.
• Water Storage Systems – Ensuring tanks are covered, clean, and well-maintained.

– Check out our guide to legionella risk assessments

Control Measures to Reduce Legionella Risk

Once the assessment is completed, landlords should implement appropriate control measures, such as:

• Flushing Systems Regularly – Running taps and showers in vacant properties to prevent water stagnation.
• Descaling and Cleaning – Regularly cleaning showerheads, taps, and water storage tanks.
• Maintaining Water Heaters – Ensuring boilers and immersion heaters maintain safe water temperatures.
• Eliminating Redundant Pipework – Removing dead legs in plumbing systems where stagnant water can accumulate.

Tenant Legionella Responsibilities and Awareness

Landlords should educate tenants about reducing Legionella risk. This includes:

• Running taps and showers if a property has been unoccupied for some time.
• Keeping water temperatures at recommended levels.
• Reporting issues such as low water temperatures or faulty boilers promptly.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to assess and manage Legionella risks can lead to severe consequences, including legal action, fines, or reputational damage. The HSE has the authority to investigate complaints and enforce compliance.

How H20 Comply Can Help

At H20 Comply, we specialise in Legionella risk assessments, monitoring, and water hygiene management. Our team of experts ensures that landlords meet their legal obligations while keeping tenants safe.

• Comprehensive Legionella risk assessments
• Ongoing water hygiene management
• Professional consultation and compliance guidance

Stay Compliant – Get a Legionella Risk Assessment Today!

Don’t risk non-compliance—Make sure you are keeping up to date with your legionella responsibilities and protect your tenants and your reputation. Contact H20 Comply today for a professional risk assessment and peace of mind.