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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 Lechlade 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 Lechlade, 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, Lechlade 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 Lechlade 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 Lechlade 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 offer straightforward Legionella risk assessments for rental properties throughout Lechlade and surrounding villages. Our process is efficient, non-intrusive, and gives landlords clear peace of mind. Here’s what we include:
We assess your hot and cold water systems, looking for features that may allow water to stagnate — like unused taps or capped-off pipework — where bacteria could potentially grow.
Because Legionella thrives in water between 20°C and 45°C, we check storage and outlet temperatures to ensure they sit safely outside this range.
We inspect showers, taps, and any tanks for signs of dirt, limescale, or biofilm and suggest descaling or cleaning if needed.
We identify any risks and explain how to reduce them — whether it’s adjusting temperatures or flushing infrequently used outlets.
You’ll receive a written summary of our findings to show that your legal responsibilities have been met and documented.
While there’s no set rule in law about how frequently you need to carry out a Legionella risk assessment, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises landlords to review their assessments regularly. It’s your legal responsibility to ensure that the water system in your property does not present a risk to your tenants’ health.
In most rental properties, it’s recommended that an assessment be reviewed at least every two years. However, this is just a guideline — the actual frequency depends on how the property is used and whether anything has changed that could affect the risk level.
You should consider arranging a new assessment if:
Every tenant uses the property differently. Some might shower more often, use less hot water, or leave taps unused. These changes in usage can affect water flow and stagnation, making reassessment wise at the start of each tenancy.
Any recent plumbing work, such as the addition of new pipework, replacement of heaters, or changes to heating settings, could change how water moves through the system. These alterations may affect Legionella risk.
Water that sits stagnant in pipes or tanks provides the perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply. If the property has been vacant for several weeks — as is common in holiday lets or between tenants — reassessing the system is a smart step.
Unusual water odours, fluctuating temperatures, or discolouration are warning signs that should be investigated. They could indicate stagnation or a bacterial issue within the system.
If your property has a cold water storage tank, multiple bathrooms, or an extended pipe network — as seen in larger homes or HMOs — it may require more frequent checks due to the increased risk factors.
Regular reviews demonstrate that you are actively managing your legal duty and taking steps to ensure tenant safety. Remember: it’s not just about doing one assessment — it’s about staying on top of potential risks.
At Prestige Services, we help landlords across Lechlade stay on track with scheduled reminders and affordable reinspection services. Reviewing your assessment regularly means fewer surprises and full peace of mind.
At Prestige Services, we know how important it is for landlords to stay compliant without unnecessary stress or delays. That’s why our Legionella risk assessments are designed to be simple, affordable, and tailored to local properties in Lechlade and the nearby villages.
Here’s what makes our service a favourite among landlords and agents:
We’re based locally to Lechlade, not part of a large national chain. This means we know the area, understand local plumbing setups, and recognise the types of properties commonly found here — from town centre flats to countryside homes. As an independent business, we offer completely unbiased advice with no hidden agendas.
We work around your schedule. Whether you’re managing a property turnover or preparing a holiday let, we aim to book your assessment quickly and send your report within 24–48 hours. That way, you can take action promptly or provide documentation when needed.
Our prices are fixed, with no nasty surprises. You’ll know what you’re paying upfront, and we never recommend extra work unless it’s genuinely needed. Our goal is to keep things clear, cost-effective, and practical for landlords managing any number of properties.
Letting property can be time-consuming. We make Legionella compliance one less thing to worry about. We’re happy to contact tenants directly to arrange access, and we’re always on hand to explain the results. Our support is built around your needs — not the other way around.
Choosing Prestige Services means choosing a professional, landlord-friendly approach to water safety and legal compliance — right here in Lechlade.
Whether you’re responsible for one flat or a full rental portfolio in Lechlade, Prestige Services offers fast, landlord-friendly Legionella testing that ticks every compliance box. Our local expertise and fixed pricing make staying legally covered easier than ever.
📞 Call 01367 358108 to speak to your local assessment specialist
📧 Email: leisa@prestigeservices.biz
📝 Or use our Contact Page to request a quote
Prestige Services – Lechlade’s go-to for simple, reliable Legionella compliance.
Yes. Under health and safety legislation, landlords in Lechlade must assess and manage the risk of Legionella in rental properties. This obligation applies whether you own a single property or manage several.
Landlords may carry out a basic assessment if they are considered competent. However, many choose a qualified professional to ensure a thorough, unbiased inspection — with full written documentation for legal and tenant assurance.
Yes, it can be. Although uncommon, Legionella can thrive in properties with poor water circulation or if outlets have been unused for long periods. A risk assessment helps reduce any potential hazards.
Not necessarily. We’re happy to liaise directly with tenants to arrange a convenient time. We also offer general guidance on water safety that tenants can follow to help reduce risk.
We provide fixed-fee pricing that covers the full inspection and written report. To get a free quote, call 01367 358108 or email leisa@prestigeservices.biz.
Yes. We regularly serve landlords in Fairford, Highworth, Northleach, Kempsford, Cirencester, and throughout the Lechlade area and the wider Cotswolds.
Prestige Services proudly provides expert legionella risk assessments in Lechlade and the surrounding areas. Our experienced team is trusted by homeowners, landlords, and businesses to deliver high-quality, reliable service tailored to your needs. In addition to Lechlade, we serve the nearby towns and villages of Fairford, Highworth, Faringdon, Clanfield, Alvescot, Bampton, Buscot, Inglesham, Little Faringdon, Langford, Kelmscott, Broadwell, Filkins, Southrop, and Hannington. Whether you need a one-off service, or regular ongoing reporting, you can rely on us for professional workmanship and excellent customer care. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards and supporting our local community. For trusted legionella risk assessments in Lechlade and surrounding areas, call Prestige Services today on 01367 358108.
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