Legionella in Islington

The HSE's ACOP L8 states that if you are a landlord, you are a duty holder and must assess the risk of Legionella to your tenants. While there is no single regulation that says 'landlords must have a written Legionella risk assessment', the combination of HSWA 1974 and COSHH 2002 creates an enforceable obligation. If a tenant contracts Legionnaires' disease and you cannot demonstrate you assessed and controlled the risk, you face prosecution with significant fines and potential imprisonment.

The HSE recommends every 2 years for standard domestic properties. However, a new assessment should be carried out whenever there is a change in the water system (new boiler, new pipework), a change in use of the property (conversion to HMO), or if the property has been vacant for an extended period. The assessment should be reviewed annually to check that control measures are still in place and effective.

Yes, if you are competent to do so. The HSE defines 'competent' as having sufficient training, knowledge, and experience. For a simple domestic property with a combination boiler (no stored water), the risk is low and a basic self-assessment using the HSE's landlord guidance may suffice. For properties with hot water cylinders, cold water tanks, or complex systems, a professional assessment is strongly recommended. The cost (£75–£150) is modest relative to the potential liability.

The highest risk factors are: water stored between 20°C and 45°C (hot water cylinder set too low or cold water tank in a warm loft), stagnant water in dead legs (capped-off pipes from removed appliances), infrequently used outlets (spare bathrooms, outside taps), cold water storage tanks without lids or insulation, and showerheads with limescale build-up. Properties with combination boilers and no stored water are generally lower risk.

In Islington, a Legionella typically costs between £75 and £200. A standard domestic Legionella risk assessment costs £75–£150 for a typical house or flat. Larger properties, HMOs, or properties with complex water systems (multiple tanks, long pipe runs) cost £150–£200. Some compliance companies offer combined packages with gas safety checks and EICRs at a reduced rate. The assessment itself takes 30–60 minutes on site. Legionella risk assessments in Islington typically cost £75–£200, depending on property size and water system complexity. Many compliance companies in England offer discounted packages combining Legionella assessments with gas safety checks and EICRs. Properties with older water tanks or long pipe runs common in England may require more detailed assessment.

London Borough of Islington is responsible for enforcing Legionella compliance in Islington. You can contact the council's housing team via their website at https://www.islington.gov.uk/housing.