Understanding Legionnaires' Disease: A Guide for Landlords

As a landlord, ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants is paramount. One often-overlooked aspect of property management is the risk of Legionnaires' disease—a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. This guide provides essential information and practical steps to help landlords manage and minimise the risk of Legionella in rental properties.

What is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in water systems, especially where water is stagnant or temperatures are conducive to bacterial growth. Common sources include:

• Hot and cold water systems
• Storage tanks
• Pipework with little or no water flow
• Shower heads and taps

Legal Responsibilities of Landlords

In the UK, landlords are legally obligated to ensure their properties are safe for tenants, which includes managing the risk of Legionella. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that landlords must:

• Conduct a Legionella risk assessment to identify potential hazards.
• Implement control measures to minimise identified risks.
• Regularly review and update the risk assessment, especially after any changes to the water system or property usage.

Steps to Minimise Legionella Risks

1. Risk Assessment: Begin by assessing your property's water systems to identify areas where Legionella could thrive. This assessment should be carried out by someone competent in understanding the water systems and the factors that contribute to Legionella growth.

2. Temperature Control: Maintain hot water at a minimum of 60°C and ensure cold water remains below 20°C. Legionella bacteria multiply between 20°C and 45°C, so controlling water temperature is crucial.

   alanboswell.com

3. Prevent Water Stagnation:

   • Regularly flush out infrequently used outlets, such as guest bathrooms or vacant units.
   • Remove any redundant pipework that could harbor stagnant water.

     alanboswell.com

4. System Maintenance:

   • Ensure that water tanks are properly covered to prevent debris from entering.
   • Regularly inspect and clean shower-heads and taps to remove scale and biofilm buildup.

5. Inform Tenants: Educate your tenants about Legionnaires' disease, its causes, and the measures in place to prevent it. Encourage them to report any issues, such as discoloured water or unusual odors, promptly.

Regular Monitoring and Review

It's essential to keep records of all risk assessments, maintenance activities, and any actions taken to control Legionella risks. Regularly review these records and update them as necessary, especially if there are changes to the property's water system or usage patterns.

Conclusion

By proactively managing the risks associated with Legionella, landlords can ensure a safer living environment for their tenants and comply with legal obligations. Regular assessments, diligent maintenance, and effective communication with tenants are key components in preventing Legionnaires' disease in rental properties.

For more detailed guidance, landlords can refer to resources provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other reputable organizations specializing in Legionella control.