Oxfordshire landlords warned over Legionella disease risk

The warning comes from Legionella Guard amid changes to the Renters’ Rights Act and following the UK’s hottest bank holiday weekend on record.

Legionella bacteria, which causes the potentially deadly Legionnaires’ disease, thrives in water systems at temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius.

Leah Stone, director of Legionella Guard, said: “Warmer weather provides the ideal conditions for Legionella to thrive.

“Water tanks and pipes that are in direct sunlight very quickly become more susceptible to Legionella growth.

“With enforcement tightening under the Renters’ Rights Act, and temperatures rising as summer approaches, Oxfordshire landlords cannot afford to treat Legionella risk as a tick-box exercise.”

So far in 2024, the UK has recorded 472 cases of Legionnaires’ disease.

Under the updated Renters’ Rights Act, which came into effect at the beginning of this month, landlords are liable to fines of up to £20,000 if their property isn’t compliant with new regulation.

In fatal cases, landlords can even be sentenced to time in prison.

Legionella Guard has been developed to simplify compliance for landlords by offering HSE-compliant e-learning, risk assessments, and simple evidence storage.

Ms Stone said: “Our new digital platform is designed to make compliance straightforward, affordable, and achievable.

“It enables landlords to manage risk effectively, protecting tenants and themselves at the same time.

“It’s a simple answer to a long-standing industry need.”

Typical symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include chest pain, coughing, a high temperature, and breathlessness.

While most people make a full recovery, legionellosis can be a serious condition.