Seb Ward

Discover our landlord home inspection checklist to find out what your repair obligations could be.

There are specific Laws relating to residential and commercial property landlords in Scotland. Using one of our Legionella Testing Kits will assist you in making sure you comply with the Law and satisfy your duty of care to your tenants.

Spa pools and hot tubs are increasingly popular for those looking for the ultimate in relaxation. They unfortunately pose quite a high risk of carrying bacteria that can lead to infectious diseases, including Legionella which causes Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ symptoms usually include fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms, as well as pneumonia. It can cause potentially life-threatening risk, particularly in those who are weaker.

Owners and those with roles of responsibility in care homes have a legal duty for properly maintaining water systems and assessing them for risk.

Legionnaires’ disease is a condition that can be contracted from Legionella bacteria which is commonly found in water systems, cooling towers and spas/ pools. It can result in flu-like symptoms and pneumonia, and it can be life threatening. Those at higher risk of contracting the disease include the elderly, people with certain pre-existing conditions, smokers and heavy drinkers.

Legionnaires disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can be contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing the bacteria Legionella. Those at a higher risk of contracting the disease include the elderly, heavy drinkers, smokers and those with cancers, diabetes, lung or heart disease.

The Legionella bacteria can be found in water systems and natural fresh water. Therefore, the water in your home is at risk of carrying the bacteria. In fact, it’s normal for small amounts of Legionella to be found in water systems but when it reaches a certain level, it can become a serious issue.

Here are some tips to help you prevent Legionnaires disease in your home.

Testing hot water systems for Legionella is a legal responsibility if you are a landlord, employer or property owner. To understand how to carry out testing, you can look at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website which provides all of the information required, albeit in a lengthy format.

In this blog post, we summarise everything you need to know about testing water systems for Legionella.

Legionnaires disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that is caused by Legionella bacteria which can be found in many natural fresh water resources. However, it can also be present in the water systems of domestic and commercial buildings.

Very small amounts of Legionella are commonly found in water, however, it will only become a serious issue when it breeds. This can lead to the potentially fatal Legionnaires disease if contracted. If not properly maintained, hot water systems can encourage the growth of Legionella as the bacteria breeds well in warm stagnant water.

If you are a landlord or employer, you need to be aware of the health risks associated with Legionella. You also need to be aware of your legal responsibilities in assessing, identifying and managing that risk.

The Legionella bacterium is commonly found in bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. However, it can also be present in the water systems of domestic and commercial buildings.

If you’re an employer, landlord or property manager you have a legal duty in relation to the risks associated with Legionella. Ignoring those risks is not acceptable and taking anything less than a regimented attitude to Legionella Water Testing could have serious consequences.

Employers and landlords have certain legal responsibilities when it comes to assessing and controlling the risk of Legionella exposure. If Legionella testing is not carried out accurately, they could face fines and legal action.

Legionnaires disease is responsible for a significant number of deaths each year and steps need to be taken to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria in all commercial and rented properties.