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Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria commonly found in freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. However, it becomes a serious health concern when it grows and spreads in man-made water systems like those found in homes, offices, and rental properties. Under the right conditions, such as stagnant water, moderate temperatures (20–45°C), and the presence of biofilm or scale, Legionella bacteria can multiply to levels that pose a serious risk to human health.
When tiny droplets of contaminated water are inhaled, from something as ordinary as a running tap, shower spray, or even a garden hose, they can transmit Legionella bacteria into the lungs. This can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially life-threatening form of pneumonia that primarily affects the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, or individuals with respiratory conditions. The illness can be severe, with symptoms including coughing, high fever, shortness of breath, and muscle pain, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
For landlords in South Marston and the surrounding areas, the issue is more than just a health risk, it’s also a legal responsibility. UK law requires landlords to ensure their rental properties do not pose health hazards to tenants. This includes minimising the risk of Legionella in the property’s water systems.
Under guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and legislation including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), all landlords, whether they let a single property or manage a portfolio, must assess the risk of Legionella and take appropriate control measures. This doesn’t necessarily mean installing expensive equipment or performing lab tests. In most domestic properties, a simple, practical Legionella risk assessment carried out by a competent person is sufficient to meet your duty of care.
In South Marston, where many rental properties include older plumbing, loft tanks, or are left unoccupied between tenancies, the risk of water stagnation, and therefore bacterial growth can be higher. That’s why it’s important to proactively assess your property’s water systems and take steps to reduce potential exposure.
By arranging a Legionella risk assessment through a local and experienced provider like Prestige Services, South Marston landlords can protect both their tenants’ wellbeing and their own legal compliance, all with a straightforward, affordable service.
If you rent out or manage property in South Marston or the surrounding Cotswold villages, you are legally obliged to ensure your water systems do not pose a health risk. This includes carrying out a Legionella risk assessment, which is a requirement under current UK health and safety regulations.
This duty applies to a range of individuals and businesses involved in property management:
All landlords, whether managing one property or several, must complete a Legionella risk assessment and put appropriate controls in place. It is your responsibility to protect tenants and comply with HSE guidance.
Letting agents acting on behalf of landlords often take on the legal duties associated with safety compliance. Many reputable agents in South Marston now include Legionella assessments as part of their routine services to landlords.
Short-term and holiday rentals are not excluded from these requirements. Where properties are left empty for days or weeks at a time, the risk of stagnant water increases, especially in systems with showers, garden hoses, or hot tubs.
If you oversee properties with shared plumbing systems — such as Houses in Multiple Occupation or purpose-built flats — it’s vital to assess and monitor risk across all communal areas and outlets.
Even in well-maintained modern homes, the legal duty remains. A low risk does not mean no obligation. Landlords must be able to demonstrate that they have considered Legionella and taken appropriate action.
Choosing a qualified local assessor, like Prestige Services, ensures you receive a comprehensive and impartial evaluation. Our clear, written documentation helps you stay compliant and ready for any inspections. It also gives peace of mind that your tenants’ safety is being taken seriously.
At Prestige Services, we provide comprehensive, unbiased Legionella risk assessments for landlords and property managers in South Marston and surrounding villages. Our process is designed to be practical, clear, and fully compliant with current guidance. Here’s what you can expect:
We inspect your hot and cold water systems, identifying stagnation points, rarely used outlets, and dead legs in the plumbing where bacteria could multiply.
Legionella bacteria thrive in water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. We take accurate temperature readings to ensure your water remains in the safe zone.
All taps, showers, and tanks are checked for scale, dirt, or biofilm. We provide suggestions for cleaning, flushing, or maintenance as necessary.
We highlight any concerns and give practical, no-nonsense advice on reducing risks — from system changes to regular usage routines.
You’ll receive a written report that outlines our findings and supports your legal compliance during audits or tenant queries.
Although there’s no strict law stating exactly when a Legionella risk assessment must be repeated, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) expects landlords to review their assessment regularly. The idea is to make sure the document still reflects how the property is currently being used and whether anything has changed that might increase the risk.
For most typical rented homes in South Marston, it’s good practice to schedule a review every two years. However, there are several scenarios that may require an earlier reassessment.
You should consider arranging another assessment if:
New tenants bring different habits and routines. Even in properties that have low risk, it’s a smart idea to carry out a quick reassessment at the start of each new tenancy to ensure everything remains safe.
Upgrades like a new boiler, added pipework, or changes to heating settings can affect how water moves around the system. A fresh risk review helps you stay one step ahead.
If the home has stood vacant for weeks — such as between rentals or during the off-season for holiday lets — water may have been sitting stagnant. These are the ideal conditions for Legionella to grow, so it’s important to reassess.
Reports of strange odours, unusual colours, inconsistent temperature, or low pressure should never be ignored. They could be early signs of a problem that needs immediate attention.
Larger houses, HMOs, or properties with multiple bathrooms and long pipe runs tend to have a greater number of risk points. These homes often need more frequent checks to stay safe and compliant.
While it’s tempting to assume one assessment is enough, the duty to manage Legionella risk is ongoing. A single document isn’t sufficient over time if conditions have changed.
At Prestige Services, we recommend a 24-month review cycle as a general guide — but we’re happy to advise on your specific property. We also offer handy reminders and flexible reinspection packages, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of deadlines.
Being proactive keeps your tenants safe and helps protect you from unnecessary legal risks.
Keeping your rental property compliant doesn’t need to be complicated. At Prestige Services, we’ve made it our mission to offer straightforward, no-fuss Legionella risk assessments across South Marston and the surrounding villages — all tailored to the everyday needs of landlords and agents.
Here’s why so many local property owners choose to work with us:
We’re proud to be a locally based, independent business. We’ve worked on everything from new developments in Stratton to charming period homes in the town centre. That local knowledge helps us quickly identify potential risks and give advice that actually applies to your property — not just generic guidelines.
We know how fast-paced property management can be. That’s why we keep our scheduling flexible and aim to complete your risk assessment and return your written report within just 1–2 days. You get the documentation you need — when you need it.
No one likes surprise costs. That’s why we keep our pricing simple and fixed. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront, and we won’t pressure you into paying for unnecessary add-ons or treatments.
Whether you’re managing one property or ten, we make it easy. We’re happy to contact tenants to arrange visits, and we’re always available to explain the results in plain English. Our service is designed to save you time and give you confidence that you’re meeting your responsibilities as a landlord.
With Prestige Services, South Marston landlords get more than just a tick-box assessment — they get a reliable local partner who makes the process easy from start to finish.
Whether you’re a private landlord with a single property or a letting agent managing multiple lets across the South Marston area, Prestige Services offers a reliable, compliant, and hassle-free way to keep your properties safe and legally sound.
📞 Call 01793 297017 to speak with a local expert today
📧 Email: leisa@prestigeservices.biz
📝 Or use our Contact Page to request a quote or make a booking
Prestige Services – Trusted by South Marston Landlords for Local, Independent Compliance Support
Yes — if you rent out property in South Marston, it’s your legal duty to assess the risk of Legionella. Whether you’ve got a single flat or manage several homes, the requirement still applies.
You can — but only if you know what to look for and are confident you’re competent to do so. Most landlords choose to use a professional for peace of mind and to ensure they have a proper written report to show compliance.
It’s rare, but yes — especially in properties with water systems that haven’t been used regularly. That’s why checks are particularly important after void periods or before new tenants move in.
Not at all. We’ll arrange everything directly with your tenants if needed and make the process simple. We’re also happy to offer tips they can follow to keep the system safe.
We offer clear, fixed pricing with no surprises. Each assessment includes a visit, inspection, and full written report. Just call 01793 297017 or email leisa@prestigeservices.biz for a no-obligation quote.
Absolutely. We regularly visit all areas of Swindon and the surroundings.
Prestige Services proudly delivers expert legionella risk assessments in South Marston and throughout the surrounding area. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to serving local homeowners, landlords, and businesses with reliable, high-quality solutions. In addition to South Marston, we provide our services across nearby communities including Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, Wanborough, Highworth, Stanton Fitzwarren, Blunsdon, Watchfield, Shrivenham, Bourton, Coleshill, Liddington, Chiseldon, Hannington, Castle Eaton, South Cerney, Purton, Cricklade, Sevenhampton, Ashbury, and Longcot. Whether you need a one-off service, or regular ongoing reporting, we bring dependable, customer-focused care to every job. With a strong local reputation and attention to detail, Prestige Services is your trusted choice. Contact us today on 01793 297017 for professional legionella risk assessments in South Marston and the wider region.
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