Spotlight on Regulations for Residential Landlords - Legionella

Landlords today face a bewildering array of regulations. Many are centred around tenant safety and might be thought matters of common sense or good practice, but any breach could lead variously to a fine, compensation claim, a Prohibition Notice requiring remedial works to be undertaken, render any Notice Seeking possession ineffective against the tenant or even find the landlord behind bars.

With this in mind this regular series aims to highlight the main responsibilities the landlord has to contend with.

Legionella – this potentially killer disease is caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing the legionella bacteria which can be found in any hot and cold water system. Landlords responsibilities here come under their general health and safety obligations referred to in an earlier Blog in this series. Contrary to popular belief there is no obligation on landlords to employ experts to carry out checks and prepare expensive reports (The Health and Safety Executive does not recognise “Legionella Test Certificates”). A basic risk assessment to ensure, for example, that water systems are flushed through, tanks sealed and old pipework is removed, should be sufficient in most cases.

This Blog is written to raise awareness of these issues. While every effort has been made to ensure that it is correct at the time of first publication it may not be updated, even if the law changes. It is not intended to be specific legal advice and cannot be relied on as such. Chattertons are not responsible or liable for any action taken or not taken as a result of this Blog. If you think any of these matters affect you then we would be happy to advise.

Andrew Morley provides dispute resolution and residential landlord and tenant services from our Lincoln office.