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Legionella Compliance for Landlords and Housing Associations
Protecting Tenants, Properties, and Legal Responsibilities - As a landlord or housing provider, you have a legal duty to ensure your properties are safe from the risks associated with Legionella bacteria. Whether you manage a single rented home, a block of flats, or a large housing portfolio, Legionella compliance is an essential part of maintaining safe water systems and meeting your health and safety obligations.
At Bespoke Compliance Solutions, we provide professional Legionella risk assessments and ongoing compliance services for landlords and housing associations across the UK — helping you meet your legal duties, protect your tenants, and maintain peace of mind.
What Is Legionella and Why Does It Matter for Landlords?
Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water and can multiply in man-made systems such as tanks, pipework, showers, and taps when conditions allow. The bacteria thrive in stagnant or warm water (20–45°C), and when aerosol droplets are inhaled, they can cause Legionnaires’ disease — a serious and potentially fatal lung infection.
In residential settings, the risk increases in properties with:
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Low water use or vacant periods
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Storage tanks or complex plumbing systems
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Electric showers or mixer taps that produce spray
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Flexible shower hoses or poorly maintained outlets
Landlords and housing associations must therefore take steps to control Legionella growth, assess the risk, and record their actions to demonstrate compliance.
Legal Duties and Regulations
Legionella control in rental properties is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8) and HSG274 Part 2 provide detailed guidance for landlords and housing managers.
Key responsibilities include:
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Identify and assess the risk of Legionella in each property.
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Implement control measures to reduce or eliminate that risk.
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Maintain records of risk assessments, monitoring, and maintenance.
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Review regularly, especially when systems or occupancy change.
Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, fines, or prosecution, especially if a tenant becomes ill as a result of poor Legionella management.
What Does a Legionella Risk Assessment Involve?
A Legionella risk assessment identifies potential hazards in a property’s water system and recommends practical control measures.
At Bespoke Compliance Solutions, our assessments typically include:
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Inspection of all water outlets, tanks, and pipework
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Temperature testing of hot and cold systems
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Identification of stagnation points and unused outlets
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Assessment of materials, scale, and corrosion risks
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Review of tenant usage patterns
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Clear, easy-to-understand report with action plan and risk rating
For most small domestic systems, the assessment is straightforward and can often be completed in less than an hour. However, for larger or shared systems (such as housing associations, sheltered housing, or multi-unit developments), a more detailed assessment and monitoring programme will be required.
Ongoing Legionella Compliance for Housing Associations
Housing associations have added responsibilities due to the scale and diversity of their housing stock.
To stay compliant and protect tenants, they must ensure:
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Every property has an up-to-date Legionella risk assessment
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Routine temperature monitoring is in place for stored water
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Flushing regimes are carried out for void properties or low-use outlets
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Shower heads and hoses are descaled and cleaned regularly
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Maintenance records are accurate, centralised, and accessible
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Staff and contractors receive appropriate Legionella awareness training
Digital record systems and scheduled maintenance contracts can help housing providers demonstrate compliance efficiently across multiple sites.
Why Choose Bespoke Compliance Solutions for Legionella Compliance?
We specialise in Legionella risk management for both private landlords and large housing associations. Our services include:
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✅ Comprehensive Legionella risk assessments
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✅ Development of written schemes of control
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✅ Regular temperature monitoring and flushing programmes
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✅ Cleaning, disinfection, and water sampling services
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✅ Legionella awareness training for housing and maintenance teams
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✅ Nationwide coverage with HSE-compliant documentation
With certified assessors and years of experience in the housing sector, we make compliance simple, transparent, and cost-effective.
Benefits of Legionella Compliance for Landlords
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🏠 Protects tenants from illness
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⚖️ Ensures full legal compliance with HSE and COSHH
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💷 Reduces risk of costly fines and legal action
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🔧 Improves system performance and water hygiene
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📋 Provides clear documentation for inspections and audits
Get Expert Help with Legionella Compliance Today - Don’t risk non-compliance. Whether you manage one property or thousands, Bespoke Compliance Solutions can help you achieve and maintain full Legionella compliance.
📞 Call us: 01296 914916
📧 Email: compliance@bc-solutions.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.bespokecompliancesolutions.co.uk
Ensure your properties are safe, compliant, and fully protected — contact us today for a Legionella risk assessmenttailored to your needs.