What landlords should know about legionella risk
Legionella bacteria can multiply in suitable water-system conditions. Landlords have duties to assess and control relevant risks, but the approach should be proportionate to the building and its water system.
Is an annual legionella certificate mandatory?
There is no universal requirement for every domestic landlord to purchase an annual legionella certificate. The appropriate assessment and review arrangements depend on risk and changes to the water system or its use. A certificate alone does not demonstrate effective risk control.
Factors that influence risk
- Water temperatures and storage arrangements
- Infrequently used outlets and stagnation
- Showerheads, hoses and aerosol-generating outlets
- Vulnerable occupants and complex communal systems
- Maintenance and management responsibilities
Practical next steps
Identify the water system and relevant hazards, assess who may be exposed, implement proportionate controls and review the assessment when circumstances change. Complex installations may need specialist support.
Questions landlords ask
Does every property need laboratory water testing?
No. Sampling decisions should be based on the assessment and relevant guidance rather than automatically applied to all domestic homes.
Can an assessment cover a block of flats?
The scope should reflect the shared and individual water systems and the responsible parties.
Official reference: HSE legionella guidance.