Legionella Risk Assessments for Landlords

What landlords need to know about legionella risk assessments, legal responsibilities, and finding qualified providers in the UK.

Legionella risk assessments are a key part of a landlord’s legal duty to manage health and safety risks in rental properties. While not every property carries the same level of risk, UK guidance requires landlords to assess and control the potential for Legionella bacteria to develop within water systems.

This page explains what a legionella risk assessment involves, when landlords need one, and how to find suitable, qualified providers.

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What Is a Legionella Risk Assessment?

A legionella risk assessment is a structured review of a property’s water systems to identify conditions that could allow Legionella bacteria to grow and spread.

Legionella bacteria thrive in water systems where:

  • Water is stored or stagnant
  • Temperatures are poorly controlled
  • Systems are not regularly used or maintained

The assessment evaluates whether these conditions exist and whether appropriate control measures are in place.

For landlords, the purpose of the assessment is not to eliminate risk entirely, but to identify and manage risk proportionately, based on the property and its occupants.

Why Legionella Risk Assessments Matter for Landlords

Landlords have a duty of care to protect tenants and occupants from foreseeable health risks. Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially serious form of pneumonia, particularly affecting older people and those with underlying health conditions.

A suitable risk assessment helps landlords to:

  • Understand whether their property presents a risk
  • Put reasonable control measures in place
  • Keep records demonstrating compliance
  • Reduce the likelihood of enforcement action
  • Provide reassurance to tenants and managing agents

Which Properties Require a Legionella Risk Assessment?

Most rental properties require some form of assessment, including:

  • Single residential rental properties
  • Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
  • Flats and apartment buildings
  • Short-term and holiday lets
  • Managed property portfolios

The level of assessment required depends on factors such as:

  • The type of water system
  • Whether water is stored
  • Property usage patterns
  • Occupant vulnerability

Even properties considered “low risk” still require documented evidence that the risk has been assessed.

What Does a Legionella Risk Assessment Involve?

A typical landlord-focused assessment may include:

  • Review of hot and cold water systems
  • Identification of stored water tanks and pipework
  • Checks on water temperatures
  • Identification of infrequently used outlets
  • Consideration of property usage and occupancy
  • Review of existing control measures

The outcome is usually a written risk assessment report, outlining:

  • Identified risks
  • Required or recommended control measures

Guidance on review frequency

How Often Should Landlords Review a Legionella Risk Assessment?

There is no fixed expiry date, but assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever circumstances change, such as:

  • Change of tenants
  • Alterations to the water system
  • Periods of prolonged vacancy
  • Evidence of issues with water temperatures or usage

Many landlords review assessments every one to two years, depending on property type and risk level.

Who Can Carry Out a Legionella Risk Assessment?

Legionella risk assessments should be carried out by competent persons with appropriate knowledge, training, and experience.

For landlords, this often means using:

  • Specialist legionella risk assessment providers
  • Water hygiene professionals
  • Qualified health and safety consultants

Using unqualified or inexperienced assessors can result in incomplete or inadequate assessments, which may not provide suitable protection or evidence of compliance.

Typical Costs for Landlords

The cost of a legionella risk assessment varies depending on:

  • Property size and layout
  • System complexity
  • Location
  • Whether the assessment is initial or a review

As a general guide:

  • Simple residential assessments are typically lower cost
  • HMOs and complex properties cost more
  • Extremely low prices may indicate limited scope or poor-quality assessments

How Legionella Risk Assessment UK Helps

Legionella Risk Assessment UK does not carry out assessments.

We provide:

  • An independent platform for landlords
  • Access to qualified, UK-based assessment providers
  • Transparent information on responsibilities and costs
  • No paid rankings or preferential treatment

Our role is to help landlords find suitable providers efficiently, while staying informed and compliant.

Find a Legionella Risk Assessment Provider

If you are a landlord looking to arrange a legionella risk assessment, we can help you connect with suitable providers operating in your area.

Find a provider and request quotes from qualified assessors today.

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