No certificate, but a duty
Unlike gas safety, there is no legal certificate for legionella. What the law requires is that the risk is assessed and controlled. HSE does not require a particular form or a pass certificate. A written risk assessment is the simplest way to show you have done it.
What people mean by a 'legionella certificate'
Usually one of three things: a written legionella risk assessment, a certificate of disinfection after tank cleaning or chlorination, or a laboratory sample result. Only the first is relevant to most rented homes.
How long does it last?
A legionella risk assessment does not expire on a set date. It should be reviewed when something changes, such as a new boiler, alterations, a long void or a change in who lives there. Many agents review at each new tenancy or every two years. See how often to review.
What to keep on file
- The written risk assessment and its date
- Any remedial work carried out
- Records of flushing during voids
- The water safety information given to tenants
- Certificates of disinfection, if tanks were cleaned
Scotland
In Scotland the position is the same: there is no certificate, but private landlords are expected to have assessed legionella risk. See our Scotland landlord guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do landlords need a legionella certificate?
No. There is no legal legionella certificate. Landlords must assess and control the risk, and a written risk assessment is the usual evidence.
How long is a legionella certificate valid for?
Because there is no certificate, there is no validity period. A risk assessment should be reviewed when circumstances change, and many landlords review every two years or at each new tenancy.
Can a letting agent insist on one?
An agent can make a written risk assessment a condition of managing your property. That is a contractual requirement, not a legal certificate.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information about UK requirements and is not legal advice. Always check the current legislation and guidance for your premises.