Finding it hard to keep up with lettings obligations?...

If you thought the issue of Legionnaire's disease was confined to the facilities managers of offices and hospitals, think again. Landlords also have a responsibility to tenants for the risk management of legionella. The Healthy and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear that individuals who provide residential accommodation are responsible for 'ensuring that the risk of exposure to legionella in those premises is properly controlled.’

Landlords are obliged to carry out a risk assessment and necessary testing/maintenance on their water systems. It's often an area that is overlooked, lacking in the same level of coverage and media exposure as gas safety. However, legionella, leading to Legionnaire's disease, can be just as serious and in many cases fatal, especially if your tenants fall into the 'vulnerable' category (the elderly, babies and those with compromised immune systems, for instance).

The biggest risk presents itself if water is stored within a property but this fools many landlords whose properties don't have water tanks or cylinders to question whether they really need to monitor the risk. However, the legionella risk is also present in long stretches of pipe-work and shower heads, meaning that virtually every property in the country is potentially a breeding ground for the disease.

Dave Hunt, Business Development Director at ARPM Outsourced Lettings Support, says that lettings agents and landlords can easily overlook the legionella obligation: "The lettings industry has changed so much recently, with new guidelines and rulings altering the way our businesses are run. It's hard to keep up with all the lettings obligations, especially when rental demand is high, but it should be a priority. Delegating your legionella risk management to a professional third party is a great way of ensuring you don't fall behind with assessments - it also ensures a suitably-experienced contractor carries out the job."

ARPM Outsourced Lettings Support ensures that every aspect of property management is carried out in accordance to the latest laws and professional guidelines and ensures that all Clients are completely aware of their legal responsibilities – such as legionella assessments. Outsourcing to ARPM is a great way of protecting a thoroughly professional image without the hassle.

Tel: 01923 775 705

Email: tellmemore@arpm.co.uk