Landlord Legionella Compliance: Legionella Risk Assessment Guidelines for Landlords
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Managing rental properties involves many responsibilities, and one critical area is ensuring water safety. Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious lung infection. As a landlord, it is essential to understand how to manage this risk effectively. This guide provides clear, practical advice on legionella risk assessment and compliance to help you keep your properties safe and meet legal requirements.
Understanding Landlord Legionella Compliance
Legionella bacteria thrive in water systems that are not properly maintained. These bacteria can multiply in hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, and other water features. When water droplets containing the bacteria are inhaled, they can cause Legionnaires' disease.
Landlords have a legal duty to control the risk of exposure to legionella in their properties. This duty is part of health and safety regulations that apply to all rental properties with water systems. Compliance means:
Identifying and assessing sources of risk
Implementing control measures to reduce risk
Keeping records of assessments and actions taken
Reviewing and updating risk assessments regularly
By following these steps, landlords can protect tenants and visitors from potential health hazards and avoid legal penalties.
Key Steps in Legionella Risk Assessment for Landlords
Carrying out a legionella risk assessment involves a systematic check of your property's water systems. Here’s how to approach it:
Identify potential sources of risk
Look for water systems where legionella could grow. This includes hot and cold water tanks, pipework, showers, taps, and any water features.
Assess the risk of exposure
Consider how likely it is that tenants or visitors could inhale contaminated water droplets. For example, showers and taps that produce aerosols are higher risk.
Evaluate control measures
Check if current water temperatures are safe. Legionella bacteria grow best between 20°C and 45°C. Hot water should be stored above 60°C and distributed at a minimum of 50°C. Cold water should be kept below 20°C.
Implement necessary controls
This might include flushing unused outlets regularly, cleaning and disinfecting tanks, and repairing leaks or corrosion.
Record your findings and actions
Keep a written record of the risk assessment and any maintenance or control measures you carry out.
Review and update the assessment
Repeat the risk assessment at least every two years or sooner if there are changes to the water system or building use.
Following these steps helps ensure your property remains safe and compliant.
How often do we need a legionella risk assessment?
The frequency of legionella risk assessments depends on the property and its water systems. Generally, landlords should:
Conduct a full risk assessment every two years
Review the assessment annually to check if conditions have changed
Carry out a new assessment after any significant changes, such as renovations or installation of new water systems
Regular monitoring and maintenance between assessments are crucial. For example, flushing seldom-used outlets weekly can prevent water stagnation, which encourages bacterial growth.
If you manage multiple properties, keeping a schedule for assessments and maintenance helps maintain compliance and reduces the risk of outbreaks.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Legionella Compliance
Maintaining compliance is an ongoing process. Here are some practical tips to help you manage legionella risks effectively:
Keep water temperatures in check
Use thermostatic mixing valves to control water temperature safely. Regularly check that hot water is stored above 60°C and cold water below 20°C.
Flush unused outlets regularly
Run taps and showers that are not used often at least once a week to prevent water stagnation.
Clean and disinfect water systems
Schedule regular cleaning of tanks, pipes, and showerheads to remove biofilm and scale where bacteria can grow.
Train staff or contractors
If you use property managers or maintenance teams, ensure they understand legionella risks and control measures.
Keep detailed records
Document all risk assessments, maintenance, and corrective actions. This documentation is essential if you need to demonstrate compliance.
Use professional services when needed
For complex water systems or if you are unsure about compliance, consider hiring a specialist to carry out risk assessments and maintenance.
Why Partnering with a Trusted Provider Makes Compliance Easier
Managing legionella risk can be complex, especially if you own multiple properties. Partnering with a trusted provider simplifies the process. A reliable compliance partner offers:
Comprehensive risk assessments tailored to your properties
Regular monitoring and maintenance services
Clear, easy-to-understand reports and documentation
Support to meet all legal requirements without hassle
Total Standards aims to be the go-to partner for property compliance, making it simple and stress-free for property owners and businesses to stay compliant by offering all necessary certifications from a single, trusted provider.
By working with experts, you reduce your workload and ensure your properties remain safe and compliant.
For more detailed guidance, you can explore legionella risk assessment for landlords to understand your responsibilities and how to meet them effectively.
