Legionella Risk Assessments

Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella. All man-made hot and cold water systems are likely to provide an environment where Legionella can grow. Where conditions are favourable (ie suitable growth temperature range; water droplets (aerosols) produced and dispersed; water stored and/or recirculated; some 'food' for the organism to grow such as rust, sludge, scale, biofilm etc) then the bacteria may multiply thus increasing the risk of exposure.

A landlord is anyone who rents out a property they own under a tenancy agreement or a licence that is shorter than seven years. Landlords' duties apply to a wide range of accommodation, occupied under a tenancy agreement or a licence.

The law is clear that if you are a landlord and rent out your property (or even a room within your own home) then you have legal responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of your tenant by keeping the property safe and free from health hazards.

To ensure compliance with Health and safety legislation, all property landlords or managers are responsible for monitoring and preventing legionella risks rented property. This includes residential property, and usually takes place in the form of a competent person carrying out a landlord legionella risk assessment.

The risk of legionella exists in both hot and cold water systems where water is stored or recirculated. This may be in pipes and cylinders, storage tanks etc...

If a tenant were to contract Legionnaires’ disease from the water system in their home, the landlord may be liable to prosecution under HSWA, and would have to demonstrate to a court that they had fulfilled their legal duty, so it is important that they assess and control the risks. A landlord legionella risk assessment can be used as evidence against fulfilling this legal obligation.

When the landlord legionella risk assessment is complete, advice will be given on any improvements required to reduce the risk.

On completion a certificate is issued along with a written scheme of control and property report including colour photos as evidence. This is essential to ensure legal compliance.

We are based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire and offer a friendly, helpful service to landlords in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. In addition to the above areas we may be able to quote for work further afield.

Please use our contact form to enquire about landlord legionella risk assessments.