Legionnaires disease is a pneumonia like illness caused by the Legionella bacteria with infection being caused by inhalation of droplets of water carrying the bacteria. It is non contagious. There has been some recent confusion over the responsibilities placed upon residential landlords with some advisors suggesting landlords must seek a specific Legionella testing certificate. This is not the case with the landlords requirement being unchanged from them simply having a duty of care to ensure their properties are free from health and safety hazards. In most cases where domestic properties have small water systems with a high turnover the risk of Legionella is low however landlords are still required to carry out a risk assessment followed by periodic subsequent reviews. Provided the landlord has an adequate knowledge of the properties water system there is no reason why they cannot carry out the assessment themselves. Full details of the requirements can be found at the HSE website – www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/what-you-must-do If you would like further details on this topic or indeed assistance in arranging a risk assessments if needed then please feel free to give either Marie or Lee a call who will be more than happy to help