Legionella Risks and Landlord Duties in England

Tenants and renters in England can face real health risks from Legionella bacteria when water systems in their homes are poorly managed. This guide explains what landlords must do to reduce Legionella risks, what reasonable checks tenants can request, and practical steps to follow if you suspect unsafe water, disinfection failures, or inadequate risk assessments. It uses clear, non-technical language and points to the official guidance and routes for reporting problems—so you can act confidently and protect your household. If you rent a flat, house in multiple occupation (HMO) or other residential accommodation, the responsibilities and remedies described here explain when to contact your landlord, Environmental Health, or the First-tier Tribunal.

What landlords must do

Landlords are required to take reasonable steps to protect tenants from health hazards in rented property. That includes ensuring water systems are maintained, cleaned, and, where necessary, subject to a Legionella risk assessment under approved guidance and general landlord obligations under housing law ^[1]. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes practical guidance on Legionella control to help dutyholders identify and manage risks ^[2].

• Arrange and document a suitable Legionella risk assessment for communal or complex water systems.
• Carry out regular maintenance and remedial works to pipework, tanks, showers and hot-water systems to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep written records (logs) of checks, temperatures, treatments and corrective actions for tenant safety.
• Provide clear written instructions to tenants where system use affects safety (for example, outlet flushing schedules in long-empty units).

What tenants can do

If you suspect an immediate risk (for example, visible contamination, unexplained illness possibly linked to water, or no maintenance), contact your landlord promptly in writing and ask for the risk assessment and recent maintenance records. If the landlord does not respond or the response is insufficient, you can raise the matter with your local Environmental Health department or seek help from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for enforcement or remedies ^[3].

• Request a written copy of the Legionella risk assessment and recent maintenance logs from your landlord, and keep a dated copy of your request.
• Take photographs or notes of visible problems (discolored water, faulty tanks, leaks) and keep a dated record of symptoms or health incidents.
• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health if the landlord fails to act; they can inspect and require action where housing health and safety hazards exist.
• Consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if formal enforcement or compensation is needed and other routes have not resolved the issue.

Official forms and records tenants should know about

There is no single national "Legionella complaint" form, but the following official records and application routes are commonly used by tenants and authorities.

• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) application — used when a tenant needs a legal remedy such as an order for repairs, rent repayment or costs. Example: you apply after Environmental Health confirms a persistent hazard and the landlord refuses to act. ^[3]
• Local Environmental Health complaint/portal — most councils provide an online complaint form or portal to report housing hazards; Environmental Health can inspect and serve remedial notices. Example: you submit a complaint with photos and request an inspection when logs and repairs are missing.
• HSE Legionella guidance and example logbook — HSE provides guidance and templates for risk assessments and logbooks that landlords and dutyholders should use to document checks. Example: you ask the landlord to share their HSE-based log as proof of regular water-temperature checks. ^[2]

How landlords and tenants interact with enforcement

When informal requests fail, Environmental Health can inspect and serve notices requiring landlords to complete works. If a landlord does not comply, prosecution or notices can follow; tenants may also apply to the First-tier Tribunal for orders or compensation depending on the circumstances. The primary housing statutes still relevant in England include the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 for tenancy frameworks and remedies ^[1].

FAQ

Can my landlord be required to carry out a Legionella risk assessment?

Yes. Landlords and dutyholders must take reasonable steps to assess and control Legionella risks where water systems pose a risk to tenants; official HSE guidance explains how to do this.

What should I ask my landlord to provide?

Ask for a copy of the Legionella risk assessment, recent maintenance logs, temperature records, and any certificates for disinfection or repairs.

When should I contact Environmental Health or the tribunal?

Contact Environmental Health if the landlord fails to act or if there is an immediate health concern; consider the First-tier Tribunal if enforcement or compensation is needed after other routes are exhausted.

How-To

1. Write to your landlord describing the problem, request the risk assessment and maintenance records, and keep a dated copy.
2. Collect evidence: photos, water discolouration, temperatures, and any health notes; store copies securely.
3. If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, submit a complaint to your local council’s Environmental Health with the evidence.
4. If Environmental Health confirms a hazard but the landlord still fails to act, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or follow the authority’s enforcement advice.
5. Follow official health advice while waiting for repairs (avoid using affected outlets if advised and seek medical help for concerning symptoms).

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must assess and control Legionella risks and keep written records of checks and maintenance.
• Tenants should request written records, collect evidence, and report unresolved hazards to Environmental Health.
• The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the formal route for remedies if other enforcement steps fail.

Help and Support / Resources

• Contact your local council (Environmental Health contact and complaint portal)
• HSE: Legionella and control guidance
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) information

1. [1] Housing Act 1988
2. [2] HSE: Legionella guidance
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) information