LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE AND LANDLORDS RESPONSABILITIES
Essential information for providers of residential accommodation
Ask yourself:■ If a boiler, tap or shower head breaks/leaks who is
responsible for getting it repaired?
■ If it is you, then you need to be aware of the legal
requirements in this guidance.
Even if you have passed on responsibility for maintaining your property,
through an agreement with a third party, you cannot delegate these
responsibilities.
What is legionella and Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionella are bacteria that are common in natural (rivers and lakes etc) and
artificial water systems, eg hot and cold water systems (storage tanks, pipework,taps and showers). We usually associate legionella with larger water systems, eg in factories, hotels, hospitals and museums, and cooling
towers, but they can also live in smaller water supply systems used in
homes and other residential accommodation.
Other potential sources of legionella include spa and whirlpool baths, humidifiers (in factories) and fire-fighting systems (sprinklers and hose reels).
Legionella can survive in low temperatures, but thrive at temperatures between 20oC and 45oC.
High temperatures of 60oC and over will kill them.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by
the legionella bacteria. It can affect anybody, but some people are at higher
risk including those over 45, smokers and heavy drinkers, those suffering
from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, and people whose immune
system is impaired.
Legionellosis is the collective name given to the pneumonia-like illnesses
caused by legionella bacteria, including the most serious and well-known
Legionnaires’ disease, and also the similar but less serious conditions of
Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever.
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