Safety certificates
Legionella and landlords: what the law actually requires
This is the duty most often mis-sold. You must control legionella risk - but for most homes you do not need to pay for a certificate.
The duty
Under health and safety law, landlords must assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria in the water systems of a rented property.
What is actually needed
- For most residential lettings the assessment is simple and the landlord can carry it out themselves - there is no legal requirement for a certificate or a paid contractor for a typical low-risk home.
- Keep the water system in use, avoid stagnation between tenancies, and set stored water hot enough to control bacteria.
Last reviewed September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice - always check your local authority's requirements.
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