Do landlords need a legionella risk assessment?
Landlords have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria in the water systems of their rented homes. There is no legionella certificate, but landlords should carry out and record a proportionate risk assessment and take simple control measures.
Read more in our guide: Selling a portfolio with tenants
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the COSHH Regulations |
| Guidance | HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 and HSG274 |
| Certificate required? | No; a recorded risk assessment is expected |
| Who can assess | The landlord if competent, or a specialist |
| Higher-risk features | Stored hot and cold water tanks, little-used outlets, showers, empty periods |
| Typical controls | Hot water stored at 60°C, flushing after voids, removing dead legs, cleaning shower heads |
Why It Matters
Legionella bacteria can grow in water between 20°C and 45°C and cause Legionnaires' disease if inhaled in droplets, for example from showers. Most modern homes with combination boilers and no stored water are low risk, but properties with tanks, long pipe runs or long empty periods carry more. The assessment should identify risks, record controls, and be reviewed when something changes, such as after a void or new system.
Legionella and Selling
- Buyers increasingly include a legionella assessment in their compliance checklist, especially for HMOs and blocks.
- A simple documented assessment for each property is cheap and avoids questions in due diligence.
- Properties left empty while waiting for vacant possession need water systems flushed before re-occupation.
Official Sources and Further Reading
General information for landlords in England, checked against official sources in October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice: speak to a qualified accountant or solicitor about your own circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Landlords have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria in the water systems of their rented homes. There is no legionella certificate, but landlords should carry out and record a proportionate risk assessment and take simple control measures.
No. There is no certificate, but landlords must assess and control the risk, and a written risk assessment is the usual evidence.
Yes, if they are competent to do it. Many use a specialist for larger or more complex properties.
Whenever something significant changes, such as a new water system or a long empty period, and regularly as part of good practice.
Thinking About Selling Your Portfolio?
Ask for a no-obligation portfolio appraisal, or call us to talk through your options in confidence.