Legionella Testing for Landlords

Your Legal Duty of Care

As a landlord in the UK, you have a legal responsibility to assess and manage the risk of Legionella bacteria in your rental properties. A Legionella risk assessment is mandatory for all landlords with water systems, regardless of building size or number of occupants. Learn more about what Legionella is.

Water testing provides documented evidence of water quality monitoring as part of your wider risk management programme.

Affordable testing for landlords: Self-sampling kits start from £39.95 plus VAT per sample. Most small rental properties need just 2 samples. View detailed pricing.

What we provide: Laboratory testing and certified results only. We do not provide risk assessments or compliance advice. You remain responsible for conducting risk assessments, implementing control measures, and maintaining compliance with UK regulations.

Legal Requirements for Landlords

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, commercial landlords must:

  • Conduct a Legionella risk assessment – This is mandatory for all landlords with water systems
  • Identify and assess sources of risk in their properties
  • Implement control measures to manage any risks found
  • Keep records of actions taken
  • Carry out checks to ensure control measures remain effective

Important: A risk assessment is required regardless of building size, number of occupants, or whether you think the risk is low. Testing supports your risk assessment but does not replace it.

Request a professional Legionella risk assessment quotation.

When Should Residential Landlords Test for Legionella?

Recommended Testing Frequency

Test between tenancies when tenants change, OR test every 2 years if the same tenant remains in the property for longer than 2 years.

Testing is particularly important:

  • Between tenancies – when properties have been vacant and water has been sitting unused
  • Every 2 years for long-term tenancies – if the same tenant stays beyond 2 years, test to ensure ongoing water safety
  • After long periods of low use – stagnant water increases bacterial growth
  • In older properties – with complex or poorly maintained plumbing systems
  • Where there are vulnerable tenants – elderly or immunocompromised individuals face higher risk

What Areas Should Be Tested?

Focus on outlets where water is stored or rarely used:

  • Kitchen taps (hot and cold)
  • Bathroom taps and showers
  • Cold water storage tanks (if present)
  • Little-used outlets or guest bathrooms
  • Any dead-legs or rarely flushed pipework

Typical sample range: 2–4 samples for most small rental properties. Learn how many samples you need.

How to Test Your Rental Property

Testing is straightforward with our self-sampling kits:

  1. Order your test kit – choose the number of samples you need
  2. Collect samples – follow the simple instructions to take water samples from key outlets
  3. Send to the lab same day – use the prepaid return packaging (post by 2pm for same-day collection)
  4. Receive your results – get a certified UKAS-accredited lab report within 10-14 days
  5. Keep records – store your results as evidence of compliance

Order Legionella test kits | Read our collection guide

What If Legionella Is Found?

If your test results show elevated Legionella levels, you should:

  • Flush the affected outlets thoroughly for 5 minutes and resample
  • Check and adjust water temperature settings (hot water should be stored at 60°C or above, cold water below 20°C)
  • Remove or flush any dead-legs in the system
  • Consider a professional disinfection treatment if levels are high
  • Retest to confirm the issue has been resolved

Keep records of all actions taken and results received. For professional remediation advice, consult a qualified water hygiene specialist. Learn more about Legionella prevention and control.

Benefits of Regular Testing for Landlords

  • Legal compliance – demonstrate you've met your duty of care
  • Tenant safety – protect occupants from potential health risks
  • Peace of mind – documented evidence if questions arise
  • Property value – maintain standards and avoid costly remediation
  • Quick and affordable – no need to arrange contractor visits

Get Started Today

Our self-sampling kits make Legionella testing simple and affordable for landlords. Most small rental properties need just 2 samples at £39.95 plus VAT each.

Shop Legionella test kits | Request a risk assessment quotation

Additional Resources for Landlords

For official HSE guidance, see Regulatory Guidance in the footer.

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