There is a duty on landlords to control the risk of legionella in their rental property. The good news is the risk for most homes is low and the measures easy to implement.

Legionella grows in water systems (particularly when left stagnant) and can be inhaled if droplets are contaminated, resulting in legionnaires disease. Legionella is a risk which must be assessed and controlled in order for the property to remain safe (landlords have this responsibility under UK law). For advice from Letting Agents Bridgwater, visit sykesmoore.co.uk/lettings/letting-agent

So, do you require a formal certification? In most cases, no. For an average domestic installation (e.g. combi boiler with no stored hot water), you will not normally require a specialist contractor or a “legionella certificate”. You do, however, have to complete a risk assessment, recording what you checked and what actions were carried out.

A basic assessment typically covers:

The kind of hot and cold-water system (stored or combi)

Verify whether there are unused outlets or long pipe runs

Temperatures of water (hot should heat quickly, cold should stay cold)

Status/insulation of tanks (if you have them).

Control measures might include flushing seldom used taps and showers, ensuring the boiler is set correctly or addressing limescale build up in shower heads.

If the property has higher risk attributes (stored water tanks, empty for long periods of time or complex pipework etc., vulnerable occupants and so on) then it is prudent to seek professional assistance.

When in doubt, write out what you checked. A brief written document that serves as a contract can safeguard both you and your tenants.