What is a Legionella Inspection?
A Legionella risk assessment is a thorough inspection which is used to identify potential risks in relation to Legionella bacteria (the cause of Legionnaires disease) within a property.
The assessment will determine how susceptible a water system is to Legionella bacteria, and therefore how high a risk it poses to those using it.
All you need to know about our Legionella Services
From £40+VAT
The Importance of a Legionnaires Risk Assessment
There are a number of reasons carrying out legionnaires inspections and risk assessments is important in both residential and commercial properties, including...
Public Health Protection
Legionnaires disease is a highly serious condition which can be fatal, which is why it is important that everyone responsible plays their part in mitigating the risk of exposure throughout the UK. The most effective way to do this is by hiring an expert to carry out a legionnaires risk assessment of your property’s water systems.
Legal Compliance
The law states that as a landlord who rents out a property you have a legal responsibility for your tenant’s health and safety. While there is no legal requirement to conduct an in-depth detailed assessment nor to conduct water sample testing, to ensure you do not fall foul of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1975 (HSWA) it is recommended, and prudent, to keep a record of the risks and what has been done to mitigate them.
While inspectors are unlikely to inspect domestic premises, if a tenant contracts Legionnaires’ disease from a water system in your property, you may be liable to prosecution and you would have to provide evidence to a court that you took appropriate measures to reduce risk.As the person in control of the premises, you have sole responsibility for health and safety and while you can conduct the assessment yourself, paying for a low cost risk assessment is a quick and easy way to protect yourself.
Protecting Vulnerable People
People who are elderly, have weakened immune systems, or underlying health conditions, are more susceptible to Legionnaires, and it could be fatal for them if they were to contract the disease. Doing your bit to manage the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems helps to protect these more vulnerable groups.
For Residential Landlords
As a landlord of residential property, you are responsible for maintaining health and safety standards for your tenants, which includes monitoring the risk of legionella bacteria in the property’s hot and cold water systems.
For Employers
Similarly for employers, your employee's safety should be at the top of your priority list. This means taking the necessary precautions to mitigate the risk of exposure to potentially harmful legionella bacteria.
Whether you are a landlord, building manager, or employer, it is beneficial to provide peace of mind to your employees or tenants with precautionary health and safety assessments, including legionella risk assessments. Get in touch with Arnold Inventories for more information on how we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legionnaires disease is a serious form of pneumonia (lung infection), which is contracted from breathing in water droplets from systems like air conditioning systems, hot tubs and showers. The bacteria thrives and breeds in water systems where water is stored between 20 - 45°C. If the bacteria is inhaled through water droplets it can lead to shortness of breath, coughing up blood and can result in needing to go into hospital.
Landlords of residential and commercial property are required by law to ensure the health and safety of tenants. Carrying out risk assessments on properties to identify and minimise risk of legionella bacteria forming is one way to ensure compliance with the law. It is prudent to keep a record of the risks and what has been done to mitigate them. Read more about legionella requirements for landlords from the HSE.
It is not a legal requirement to conduct a legionella risk assessment, but it is considered best practice to conduct an assessment at the start of each tenancy; particularly as landlords can be held responsible if a tenant catches legionnaires disease from the property if inspections have not been carried out.
Our Legionella Risk Assessment service costs £85+ VAT. Our 'Flushing' service costs £40 - important for properties that are left vacant for periods of time.
The law doesn’t dictate how often a risk assessment should be reviewed. We recommend conducting a new inspection at the start of each tenancy and after any substantial changes to the water system.
Check-in & Inventory Report
Protect your property with a detailed and comprehensive check-in report
Detailed condition of property with photo and video evidence
4 day report turnaround
Available Monday to Friday
Key pick-up and drop off at the property
1x post-report amendment
Unfurnished only
Detailed condition of property with photo and video evidence
2 day report turnaround
Available Monday to Friday
Meet & Greet with tenants
Key pick-up and drop-off within 15 minutes travel
2x post-report amendments
Furnished & Unfurnished
Detailed condition of property with photo and video evidence
24 hour report turnaround
365 days a year
Meet & Greet with tenants
Key pick-up and drop-off within 30 minute radius
Unlimited post-report amendments
Communication with tenants before and after report
Furnished & Unfurnished
Check-out Report
Make fair and legal deductions from deposits based on evidence
Detailed condition of property with photo and video evidence
4 day report turnaround
Available Monday to Friday
Key pick-up and drop off at the property
Unfurnished only
Available 7 days a week
3 day report turnaround
1x post-report amendment
Key pick-up and drop-off within 15 minutes travel
Assigning liabilities
Furnished & Unfurnished
Liabilities summarised, assigned and presented via spreadsheet
Available 7 days a week
Unlimited post-report amendments
Next day report turnaround
Optional tenant contact (key collection and report distribution)
Key pick-up and drop-off within 30 minute radius
Assigning liabilities
Liabilities summarised, assigned and presented via spreadsheet
Remedial cost estimation allocation
Money back guarantee
Furnished & Unfurnished
Mid-Term Services
Ensure your property is safe, clean and compliant for your tenants
Identify any maintenance work or repairs needed
Checking compliance with tenancy agreement
Trust building check-in with tenants
Gather evidence for end of term disputes
Flushing Service - £40 + VAT
Risk assessment - £85 + VAT
Not sure what your legal responsibilities are? Read our guide to legionella.
Property compliance inspection £50 + VAT
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms available
Supply and fitting (£50 + VAT per unit)
Checking existing alarm functionality