Understanding Landlord Water Responsibilities: A Complete Guide

As a landlord, there’s more to managing a property than collecting rent and handling repairs. One area that’s often overlooked but critically important is water safety. From ensuring safe drinking water to maintaining plumbing systems, understanding your landlord water responsibilities is essential—not just for legal compliance, but for the health and safety of your tenants.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know, what the law requires, and practical steps you can take to manage water safely in your property.

Why Water Safety Matters for Landlords

Water might seem straightforward—turn on the tap, and it flows—but it can pose serious risks if not managed properly. Poorly maintained water systems can lead to issues like:

• Legionella bacteria growth, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease
• Contaminated drinking water due to old pipes or plumbing faults
• Hard water damage, which can reduce the lifespan of appliances and pipes

As a landlord, you are responsible for preventing these risks and ensuring your tenants have access to safe water. Ignoring these responsibilities can lead to legal consequences, tenant disputes, and even serious health issues.

Legal Requirements You Must Follow

The law sets out clear expectations for landlords regarding water safety. Key points include:

1. Safe Drinking Water
   Landlords must ensure the water supplied to the property is safe to drink. This typically means working with the local water supplier and maintaining plumbing to prevent contamination.
2. Legionella Risk Assessments
   In properties with complex water systems (like multi-storey buildings), landlords are legally required to assess the risk of Legionella bacteria and take appropriate measures. Even in smaller properties, a basic understanding of Legionella risks is recommended.
3. Regular Maintenance
   Routine checks and maintenance of plumbing, hot water tanks, and water filters are part of your landlord water responsibilities. Regular maintenance prevents issues like leaks, pipe corrosion, and unsafe water temperatures.
4. Tenant Information
   Landlords should provide tenants with guidance on using water safely, including how to manage hot water systems and report issues promptly.

Practical Steps for Landlords

Understanding your responsibilities is one thing—taking action is another. Here are practical steps to ensure you meet your landlord water responsibilities:

1. Conduct Regular Checks

Schedule routine inspections of the property’s water systems. Check for leaks, pipe corrosion, and ensure that taps and showers are functioning correctly.

2. Monitor Hot Water Systems

Keep hot water at a safe temperature to prevent bacterial growth (typically above 60°C in storage tanks). Cold water should remain below 20°C to minimise bacterial risks.

3. Maintain Water Appliances

If you provide appliances like water heaters or filtration systems, ensure they are serviced regularly. This prevents contamination and extends the lifespan of the equipment.

4. Consider Professional Testing

Water testing can identify contaminants that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Professional water testing every few years, or after major plumbing changes, is a smart precaution.

5. Keep Records

Document all maintenance, checks, and communications with tenants regarding water safety. This not only helps you stay organised but also demonstrates compliance with your legal duties.

Download our landlord water responsibilities Checklist

Common Mistakes Landlords Make

Even well-meaning landlords can slip up. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring legionella risk in smaller properties
• Failing to document maintenance or tenant complaints
• Delaying repairs until small leaks or issues become serious
• Assuming tenants will manage water safety themselves

Avoiding these pitfalls helps protect your tenants and reduces your liability.

Supporting Tenants With Water Safety

Good landlord-tenant relationships are built on trust, and water safety is part of that. Consider:

• Providing a simple guide to hot and cold water usage
• Promptly addressing leaks or water quality complaints
• Offering reassurance about water testing and system maintenance

These actions show tenants you take their wellbeing seriously and create a safer living environment.

Final Thoughts

Being a responsible landlord goes beyond collecting rent—it means actively managing risks that affect your tenants’ health. Understanding and following your landlord water responsibilities ensures your property is safe, legally compliant, and well-maintained.

If you’re unsure about your duties or need professional support, it’s worth seeking advice. A small investment in water safety now can prevent bigger issues—and legal headaches—down the line.

Need help ensuring your property meets all water safety requirements?

Contact our expert team today for guidance on landlord water responsibilities, risk assessments, and ongoing maintenance to keep your tenants safe and your property compliant.