Can landlords carry out their own Legionella risk assessment?

Yes, landlords can carry out their own assessment if they are confident and competent. However, for properties with tanks, elderly tenants, or unused outlets, it's often safer to use a qualified assessor.

What should a landlord's Legionella risk assessment include?

It should identify risks in the water system, check hot and cold temperatures, inspect tanks and outlets, and include a written record of findings and actions taken.

Is a Legionella certificate legally required for landlords?

No, there is no legal requirement for a certificate. The law requires a documented risk assessment, but not laboratory testing or certification unless risks are identified.

Legionella Risk Assessment for Landlords | Domestic Property Guide (UK)

Q: Do landlords need a Legionella risk assessment?

Yes. Under UK health and safety law, landlords must assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in their rental properties. This applies to both domestic and commercial lettings, even if the risk is considered low.

Legionella Risk Assessment for Landlords – UK Guide

If you’re a landlord in the UK, you have a legal responsibility to ensure your rental property is safe from health hazards — including the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. That means you must assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in your property’s water systems ✅

Do Landlords Need a Legionella Risk Assessment?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), landlords are legally required to carry out a Legionella risk assessment — even in domestic, single-let properties ✅

This duty applies whether you’re renting out a flat, house, HMO, or a room in your own home. You don’t necessarily need to hire a professional assessor, but you must be able to show that a suitable risk assessment has been carried out and steps taken to reduce any risks.

What Does the Risk Assessment Involve?

A Legionella risk assessment for a domestic rental property is usually straightforward. It should include:

Identifying potential sources of Legionella (e.g. storage tanks, dead legs)
Checking water temperatures at outlets (hot should be ≥50°C, cold ≤20°C)
Inspecting for infrequently used taps or showers
Assessing whether there are vulnerable occupants (e.g. elderly, immune-compromised)
Recording findings and any actions taken (e.g. regular flushing)

You can carry out the assessment yourself using a checklist if you’re confident, but many landlords prefer to use a qualified professional — especially for peace of mind or when managing multiple properties ✅

When Should a Landlord Update the Risk Assessment?

You should review and update your Legionella risk assessment:

At the start of each new tenancy
If the water system is changed or upgraded
If the property becomes vacant for more than a week

There’s no legal requirement to conduct water sampling or obtain a “Legionella certificate” — but you must document the assessment and show evidence if asked by a tenant, letting agent, or local authority.

Download: Landlord Legionella Risk Assessment Checklist

Coming soon: a free printable checklist you can use to perform your own Legionella risk assessment ✅
(Or contact us for a professional visit)

When Should Landlords Use a Professional Assessor?

It’s strongly advised to get a professional Legionella risk assessment if your property has:

A cold water storage tank or hot water cylinder
More than one bathroom or unused water outlets
Elderly or high-risk tenants
Commercial or mixed-use plumbing systems

Hiring a qualified assessor ensures full compliance and removes any guesswork. Find a local assessor if you want peace of mind or a full written report ✅

What Happens If You Don’t Do It?

Failure to comply could lead to serious consequences if a tenant becomes ill. While enforcement is rare for domestic properties, a recorded risk assessment is your legal defence. It shows you’ve taken reasonable steps to meet your responsibilities as a landlord ✅

Summary: Key Points for Landlords

All landlords must assess the risk of Legionella in their properties
You can perform the check yourself using a simple checklist
Document your findings and take action where needed
Review the assessment at the start of each new tenancy
Professional help is available if you’re unsure

Need help? arrange a professional Legionella risk assessment today ✅

Further Reading

Learn more about:
The legal duties for landlords
How to carry out an assessment step-by-step
Writing a Written Scheme of Control

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