Why Landlords in Doncaster Must Have a Legionella Risk Assessment
Legionella legal requirements for landlords Doncaster.
Landlords in Doncaster Must Have a Legionella Risk Assessment, is simple, it is The Law!
Many landlords in Doncaster assume Legionella assessments are optional — or only required in Scotland.
But this belief could put you at serious legal risk.
If you rent out a property in Doncaster (or anywhere in England), you are legally responsible for managing Legionella risks, even though the law doesn’t state how often an inspection must occur.
Legionella legal requirements for landlords Doncaster – What the Law Actually Says
In Scotland, the law is specific: landlords must carry out a Legionella risk assessment every two years.
In England, there is no fixed frequency, but that doesn’t mean the requirement doesn’t exist.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, landlords are considered self-employed persons with legal duties to protect tenants from health hazards — including Legionella bacteria in domestic water systems.
Ignorance of the Law Is Not a Defence for legionella offences
Even if you didn’t know, failing to assess the risk of Legionella in your rental property could leave you liable if a tenant falls ill.
As a landlord, you must:
- Understand the potential risk from water systems (especially in properties left unoccupied, or with stored hot/cold water)
- Take suitable precautions
- Keep records of risk assessments and actions taken
Understanding Legionella Risk Assessments: What Landlords in England Need to Know
As a landlord in England, you are deemed as ‘self employed’ as such you are subject to employment law.
So when you read ’employer’, that is you!
It’s your responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your tenants, and this includes assessing the risk of Legionella bacteria in your rental properties.
About Legionella assessments, the law is clear:
You must assess and manage any potential risks of Legionella in your property’s water system.
Here’s an overview of the key regulations and responsibilities you need to be aware of.
1. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This overarching piece of legislation applies to landlords, because landlords are self employed and subject to health and safety legislation.
It requires you to assess and control risks in your properties, including the risk of Legionella exposure.
Its principles apply to anyone responsible for the health and safety of others.
2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
COSHH places an obligation on employers (and so, to landlords) to control exposure to hazardous substances, including bacteria like Legionella. While this regulation might seem more relevant to workplaces, as a landlord, you’re responsible for ensuring your tenants are safe from Legionella exposure, which is considered a hazardous substance.
3. Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Under the Housing Act 2004, landlords are required to ensure their properties are free from hazards that could harm tenants.
Legionella risk is one of the 29 hazards evaluated under the HHSRS, and if a risk is identified, landlords must take action to reduce or eliminate it.
This might include cleaning and maintaining the water system, or even replacing outdated plumbing that could contribute to Legionella growth.
4. Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
These regulations focus on maintaining safe and hygienic water systems in properties.
They aim to prevent contamination of drinking water, which could include the spread of Legionella bacteria.
As a landlord, ensuring your water system complies with these regulations can help prevent conditions that promote Legionella growth, such as stagnant water in pipes.
5. Additional Safety Measures
Landlords in Doncaster and all over England, have a duty to assess and manage the risk.
This involves understanding your property’s water system, identifying potential Legionella risks (like tanks, pipes, and shower heads), and implementing control measures.
These might include regular maintenance, temperature monitoring, and cleaning.
6. Why It Matters
The risk of Legionnaires’ disease is real, and failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, legal action, and, worst of all, harm to your tenants.
By staying informed about these legal responsibilities and carrying out appropriate risk assessments, you can protect both your tenants and your business.
I offer a Legionella risk assessment that provides landlords with a comprehensive report that will demonstrate that you are taking the right steps to your legal responsibilities with legionella.
The cost for a legionella assessment in Doncaster is £80 for for a normal residential house.
Prices on commercial legionella assessments in Doncasteron request (depends on size of building etc).
The Risk of legionella Is Real – And Preventable for landlords in Doncaster
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
It can be fatal, especially for older or immunocompromised individuals.
The good news is: a simple inspection can prevent it.
I offer professional Legionella Risk Assessments in Doncaster that comply with current HSE guidelines.
My assessments are quick, affordable, and come with full documentation for your peace of mind.
Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem
Landlords often delay Legionella assessments because there’s no reminder or expiry date like an EPC.
But your legal duty is ongoing.
If you’re letting out property, you’re responsible — and a Legionella assessment is part of your compliance toolkit.
Learn More or Book Today
I also provide energy performance certificates (EPCs), another key requirement for landlords.
Find out more on my main site here:
👉 EPC Doncaster Services
If you’re ready to protect your tenants and stay on the right side of the law, book a Legionella compliance visit in Doncaster today.
