Private rented property standards guidance

Legionnaire's disease, similar to pneumonia, can be fatal for vulnerable individuals such as smokers, heavy drinkers, those with respiratory or kidney diseases, diabetes, lung, or heart conditions, or weakened immune systems. Men and people over fifty-five are also at higher risk.

Legionella bacteria can be found in all domestic water systems and can cause Legionnaires' disease if the system is not properly assessed, managed, and controlled.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (opens new window)places a duty on landlords or managing agents to reduce the risks of exposure to legionella to their tenants and/or visitors to their properties.

The Landlord or managing agent must:

• identify and assess sources of risk to water systems within the property including; cold water tanks, hot water cylinders, pipework, taps and shower systems
• manage any risks
• prevent or control any risks
• keep and maintain the correct records

The HSE has produced guidance for managing and controlling the risk in water systems. Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) Legionnaires' disease.   (opens new window)

As a summary the landlord must ensure a Legionella Risk Assessment is completed at regular intervals by a competent person to determine whether:

• the release of water spray is properly controlled
• water temperatures and conditions that favour the growth of legionella and other micro-organisms are avoided
• water can stagnate anywhere in the system and to advise upon the removal of redundant pipework
• materials that encourage the growth of legionella are present at the premises
• the system and water within it is kept clean
• the growth of legionella (and other microorganisms) or their ability to grow is limited
• any control measures applied are monitored
• keep records of these and other actions taken, such as maintenance or repair work