Legionella Risk Assessments for Landlords (Letting Agents)
- Sammi Morland
- Dec 21, 2021
- 2 min read
Landlords and those who manage residential properties are responsible for ensuring that the water systems within the properties are safe and compliant for the tenants.
The risks
When it comes to the associated risks of Legionella bacteria within (occupied) residential properties it would be realistic to assume that the risks are relatively low due to the good turnover of water and the relatively low volume of water within the system. There are some risk areas that you need to be aware of and that's why it's important to complete a Legionella Risk Assessment.
What increases the risk
When properties are left vacant for long periods of time the water systems are unlikely to have been used and therefore allows Legionella bacteria to thrive. Legionella bacteria enjoys water that doesn't move. It allows the bacteria to grow and settle in. When a property is left vacant (even for a few days) there should be an appropriate water system recommissioning process completed. This may include:
Disinfecting and flushing the cold water storage tank and hot water cylinder.
Flushing, descaling and disinfecting the shower heads and hoses.
Flushing all outlets
Cleaning the taps
Making sure the hot and cold water temperatures are compliant. (Cold 20°C below - Hot 50°C above)
What a Landlord must do
Landlords who provide residential accommodation, as the person in control of the premises or responsible for the water systems in their premises, have a legal duty to ensure that the risk of exposure of tenants to legionella is properly assessed and controlled. This duty extends to residents, guests, tenants and customers.
Where a managing (or letting) agent is used, the management contract should clearly specify who has responsibility for maintenance and safety checks, including managing the risk from legionella. Where there is no contract or agreement in place or it does not specify who has responsibility, the duty is placed on whoever has control of the premises and the water system in it, and in most cases, this will be the landlord themselves.
Costs
Our bespoke Legionella risk assessments for residential properties start at £65 + VAT per property.
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