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Legionella is a type of bacteria that can be found in many freshwater environments such as lakes and streams. In natural settings, it’s not typically harmful. However, when it finds its way into man-made water systems — such as those in homes and rental properties — and certain conditions are met, it can become dangerous. If water becomes stagnant or remains at moderate temperatures, it can allow Legionella to multiply rapidly.
This bacteria is hazardous because it can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe lung infection. It spreads when contaminated water droplets are inhaled — for example, from a running shower or tap. The disease can be especially dangerous to older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with respiratory issues. While rare, it can be fatal if left untreated.
Landlords in Marlborough are legally responsible for managing health risks in their rental properties, including the risk posed by Legionella. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires landlords to carry out a risk assessment and ensure suitable precautions are taken. You don’t always need complex testing or expensive systems — most domestic properties can be managed with a practical, well-documented assessment.
Older plumbing systems, unused water tanks, and long periods of vacancy — all common in rental properties throughout Marlborough and villages like Kemble or Stratton — can increase the likelihood of Legionella developing. That’s why a proactive approach is crucial.
Prestige Services, based locally in Marlborough, offers thorough and straightforward Legionella risk assessments tailored to landlords. With no unnecessary upselling and quick turnaround times, we help you protect your tenants and meet your legal obligations with ease.
If you own or manage rental property in Marlborough or any of the nearby villages, you are legally required to assess and control the risk of Legionella bacteria in your water system. This is part of your duty of care under current UK health and safety regulations and applies regardless of the size, age, or condition of the property.
Several different types of landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring Legionella risks are reviewed and managed:
Whether you let out a single flat or multiple houses, the legal duty is the same. You must carry out a Legionella risk assessment and put suitable control measures in place if needed.
Letting agents often act as duty holders when managing properties on behalf of landlords. Many agents in Marlborough include Legionella assessments as part of their standard landlord support.
If you rent out a property on a short-term basis, you still have legal obligations. Holiday homes, especially those that remain empty between bookings, are more prone to water stagnation — increasing the risk of Legionella.
If you oversee a House in Multiple Occupation or a property with communal water facilities, you have an even greater responsibility to manage risk across shared systems and outlets.
Even modern properties can present some risk. It’s not just about age or condition — the law requires every landlord or manager to show they’ve considered the risks and acted appropriately.
A professional risk assessment from Prestige Services ensures full legal compliance and peace of mind. We provide detailed written reports and practical recommendations, so you’re always ready for tenant queries or local authority inspections.
At Prestige Services, we carry out reliable and independent Legionella risk assessments across Marlborough and nearby villages. Our assessments are thorough, legally compliant, and tailored to the specific layout and usage of each property. The process includes:
We examine the property’s plumbing layout, identifying any features that could lead to water stagnation — such as redundant pipework, seldom-used taps, or dead legs in the system.
Legionella can multiply in water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. We take temperature readings at tanks and outlets to ensure conditions do not support bacterial growth.
We assess the state of taps, shower heads, and storage systems, advising on cleaning or maintenance if signs of scale, rust, or contamination are present.
Our findings are explained in plain language, with clear suggestions for mitigating risks.
A complete report is provided for your records, supporting compliance with landlord health and safety obligations.
There is no fixed legal timeframe for how often a Legionella risk assessment must be carried out. However, guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear: landlords are expected to review their risk assessment regularly to ensure it remains accurate and reflects the current condition and usage of the property.
As a general rule, a Legionella risk assessment should be reviewed at least once every two years for standard residential lettings. However, certain circumstances may warrant more frequent reviews, particularly if the property or its occupancy has changed in any way.
You should consider updating or repeating your assessment if:
Each new tenant brings different usage habits and expectations. Even if the risk remains low, starting a new tenancy is an ideal time to review your assessment and make sure the system is clean and safe.
If any plumbing work has been carried out, such as the installation of new pipework, replacement of water heaters, or changes to heating controls — the risk may have changed. A fresh assessment helps ensure the system remains compliant.
Legionella thrives in stagnant water. If your rental property in Marlborough or surrounding area has been empty for a few weeks or more (as is common between tenancies or in holiday lets), a reassessment is strongly recommended to ensure bacteria hasn’t had a chance to grow.
Any complaints about inconsistent water temperature, low water pressure, unusual smells, or discolouration should prompt an immediate investigation. These may be signs of stagnation, scaling, or bacterial growth within the system.
Larger properties — such as HMOs, properties with additional extensions, or systems with cold water storage tanks or long pipe runs — may require more frequent assessments due to the increased number of outlets and potential dead legs in the system.
While some landlords assume a “one-and-done” approach is sufficient, the duty to manage risk is ongoing. That means it’s not enough to carry out a Legionella assessment once and forget about it. You must be able to demonstrate that you’ve considered changes in risk over time and taken appropriate action when needed.
At Prestige Services, we recommend landlords in Marlborough review their assessment at least every 24 months, or sooner if any of the above changes occur. We also offer reminder services and flexible reinspection packages, making it easy to stay compliant without needing to track dates or legal updates yourself.
Staying proactive with your Legionella assessments not only protects your tenants — it protects you as a landlord by ensuring you’re fully covered in the event of an incident or inspection.
When you’re managing rental property, having a dependable partner makes all the difference. At Prestige Services, we offer expert Legionella risk assessments that are fast, efficient, and fully compliant with current legislation — delivered by a local team who knows Marlborough inside and out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
We’re a business local to Marlborough with years of experience assessing properties across the Cotswolds. From listed cottages to new-build flats, we understand the variety of plumbing setups in the area. As an independent provider, we’re not influenced by sales targets or national chains — you’ll get honest, practical advice based on what your property needs.
We know that landlords and agents don’t have time to wait. That’s why we offer flexible appointment slots and commit to delivering your report within 24 to 48 hours of the assessment. Whether you’re between tenants or preparing a property for let, we help you keep things moving smoothly.
Our fees are fixed and fair, with no hidden costs or upselling. Whether you manage one property or several, we offer cost-effective options to suit your portfolio. And if improvements are needed, we’ll explain them clearly — without trying to sell you unnecessary extras.
We understand the day-to-day demands of managing rental properties. That’s why we offer to liaise directly with tenants for access and make ourselves available to explain any part of the assessment. It’s a simple, hands-off process that gives you full peace of mind.
Choosing Prestige Services means working with a team that’s responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making compliance easy for Marlborough landlords.
Whether you’re responsible for one flat or a full rental portfolio in Marlborough, 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 01672 288038 to speak to your local assessment specialist
📧 Email: leisa@prestigeservices.biz
📝 Or use our Contact Page to request a quote
Prestige Services – Marlborough’s go-to for simple, reliable Legionella compliance.
Yes. Under health and safety legislation, landlords in Marlborough 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 01672 288038 or email leisa@prestigeservices.biz.
Yes. We regularly serve landlords in all the surrounding villages.
Prestige Services proudly provides expert legionella risk assessments in Marlborough and all surrounding villages and towns. Our professional and friendly team serves homeowners, landlords, and businesses with high-quality workmanship and reliable service. In addition to Marlborough, we also cover the nearby areas of Ogbourne St George, Ogbourne St Andrew, Manton, Lockeridge, West Overton, Fyfield, Winterbourne Monkton, Winterbourne Bassett, Avebury, Aldbourne, Ramsbury, Baydon, Froxfield, Chilton Foliat, Great Bedwyn, Little Bedwyn, Pewsey, Burbage, Collingbourne Ducis, and Collingbourne Kingston. Whether you need a one-off service, or regular ongoing reporting, you can count on us for dependable, expert support. We are committed to delivering outstanding service across the region. For trusted legionella risk assessments in Marlborough and the surrounding communities, contact Prestige Services today on 01672 288038.
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