Need a Legionella risk assessment for an Edinburgh rental property?
Tell HomeForce where the property is, when you need the assessment and how the assessor can gain access. We will arrange a thoroughly vetted, continuously appraised and suitably competent assessor to contact you or your tenants and book in the visit.
Assessments start from £45 + VAT. The assessor examines the water system and provides the assessment and any recommendations. HomeForce remains available if an appointment needs chasing or a problem needs resolving.
Ready to book? Call 0131 315 0000, email info@homeforce.co.uk or complete our enquiry form.
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Tell us what you need and when.
Landlords must assess and control the risk of tenants being exposed to Legionella. These duties arise under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
The Scottish Government’s Repairing Standard guidance says private landlords must ensure the hot and cold water systems are assessed before a property is first let. It also sets out the controls and reviews landlords should maintain. The HSE guidance for landlords explains how to meet the health and safety duties proportionately in domestic rental properties.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal pneumonia caused by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Showers can produce these droplets. Assessing the system identifies conditions that allow bacteria to multiply and the steps needed to reduce exposure.
The assessor considers how water enters the property, whether it is stored, how it is heated and where it is used. The visit can include checks on:
Cold water supply and storage tanks, including their condition and whether lids prevent debris entering.
Hot water cylinders, boilers and temperature controls, including stored water and outlet temperatures where appropriate.
Taps, showers and showerheads, including outlets that are rarely used.
Redundant pipework and dead ends where water can stagnate.
Scale, sludge or other deposits that can support bacterial growth.
Water use, periods of vacancy and any occupants particularly susceptible to infection.
These are the types of risk factors described in HSE guidance on assessing Legionella risks. The assessment identifies any controls needed and how the findings should be reviewed. Many domestic systems present a low risk; the controls should reflect the actual system.
Scottish Government guidance says the assessment should be reviewed at intervals of no more than two years. Review it sooner if the water system or other risk factors change.
2 Years
Guidance states the assessment should be reviewed at intervals of no more than two years.
Sooner
Review it sooner if the water system or other risk factors change.
New
If a review identifies changed risk factors, a new assessment should be carried out.
No Set Cycle
HSE confirms that health and safety law does not impose a fixed annual or two-year renewal cycle.
A review does not automatically require a new paid assessment or certificate. The two-year review interval is the recommendation in Scotland’s Repairing Standard guidance.
The assessor explains the findings and recommended controls. These may include securing a tank lid, removing unused pipework, maintaining suitable stored hot water temperatures or introducing a flushing routine. HomeForce can arrange a suitable contractor to assess and quote for any plumbing work separately.
Give tenants the relevant instructions. The Scottish Government’s tenancy guidance on Legionella explains that tenants should avoid changing hot water settings in ways that increase risk, regularly clean showerheads and report problems with water heating. Follow the assessor’s advice on cleaning and disinfection.
Water can stagnate while a rental property is vacant. HSE advises that, as a general principle, hot and cold water outlets should be used at least weekly. A suitable flushing routine, or other measures for a longer vacancy, should follow the assessment. Tell us how long the property has been empty so the assessor can consider it. Controls should also cover preparing the water system before tenants move in.
We match the property, access arrangements and deadline to a suitable assessor. Our contractors are thoroughly vetted and continuously appraised. The assessor contacts you or your tenant directly to agree an appointment, while our job management and communication systems help us follow progress. Our team is available by phone if access changes, an appointment needs chasing or an issue needs resolving.
Our Market Rate Monitor helps us check that contractor charges are in line with local rates. Tell us if you need other compliance checks or maintenance at the same time, so we can coordinate the arrangements.
HomeForce is also a registered letting agent (LARN2504004). You can use us for this one assessment, individual landlord services or full property management in Edinburgh. We can take care of wider compliance, maintenance and day-to-day management if you want more support with your rental property.
WHAT OUR LANDLORDS & TENANTS SAY
“As a first-time landlord, I have been greatly reassured by HomeForce’s excellent communication and attention to detail. Friendly, helpful and professional throughout.”
Landlord
"HomeForce have been first class. Responsive to both me as landlord and the tenants, pro-active and with a large supply of contractors for addressing any household issues. It takes a lot of the stress and time out of renting your property out and I highly recommend."
Tenant
"I have relied on HomeForce to manage my Newtown flat for many years. They are efficient, reliable and provide me with peace of mind as I am not based in Edinburgh. I would highly recommend them."
Landlord
"I have full confidence in HomeForce. They exceed what they promise in looking after my property and appear to do so by taking great care of my tenants. They are personable, efficient and practical. I highly recommend their service to anyone."
Landlord
"Myself and wife got an apartment from HomeForce. Excellent people, we had Emily and Gavin managing the property and they made our stay memorable. Repairs done on time and checks reasonable spaced. Moving out was smooth when we needed a bigger space. Very highly recommended."
Tenant
"We definitely had a positive experience with HomeForce. The flat was in excellent condition when we moved in. Unlike some ads for rental properties the photos were a true representation of the reality. We’ve always had quick responses from HomeForce over repairs or any questions or concerns. If we could we’d pick up the flat and HomeForce and take them with us!"
Tenant
"As tenants of HomeForce for 7 years I can’t speak highly enough of the professional, friendly service provided by Gavin, Karen and the team. We always felt they had our best interests at heart, responding quickly to questions and resolving issues speedily and with no fuss. The best agency we’ve ever used and we would have no hesitation in recommending them to other tenants or landlords."
Tenant
"Just wanted to say a massive “thank you” for allowing us to stay at East Claremont Street. We have loved it and you have, quite frankly been a great landlord / agent – not often you can say that. We appreciated how quickly you sorted things out for us and just made it feel like our home."
Tenant
"I have used HomeForce’s Full Service package since 2010 and it’s the best investment I could make in renting out my property in Edinburgh. HomeForce provide a friendly and very efficient service and undertake all issues and challenges that come with property rental, from marketing to maintenance. They always go the extra mile: I can’t fault them and would recommend them (and have) without hesitation."
Landlord
A Legionella risk assessment starts from £45 + VAT. Tell us about the property and your deadline. The assessor can confirm the scope and cost before the visit; any remedial work is quoted separately.
Health and safety law does not require a Legionella test certificate. Laboratory sampling is not usually needed for domestic hot and cold water systems. The requirement is to assess and control the risk. Keep the assessment and any follow-up records so you can show what has been done.
Yes, if you have the knowledge and competence to assess your system and manage its risks. A professional assessor is not compulsory for every domestic property. However, if you do the assessment yourself we would recommend that you make and keep a written report. If you prefer to have the assessment carried out for you, HomeForce will arrange a suitably competent person.
Yes. Give us the appropriate contact and any access requirements. We will pass the details to the assessor, who will contact them directly to book the appointment.
Tell HomeForce the property address, your deadline and how access should work. We will arrange a suitable assessor to contact you and book the visit.
Call 0131 315 0000, email info@homeforce.co.uk or complete the form on this page.
