“Every two years” is the answer most landlords have heard, and it’s a reasonable starting point, but it isn’t the whole story. There is no fixed legal review date for a Legionella Risk Assessment. The HSE’s ACOP L8 guidance asks you to review it regularly, and straight away if anything changes. Several things can bring a review forward.
A sensible baseline: review at least every two years
For a typical domestic or light commercial property with a stable water system and no changes in use, we recommend a full review of your Legionella Risk Assessment at least every two years as good practice. It is not a legal deadline, but it is a sensible interval to plan around, before checking whether any of the triggers below bring it forward.
What shortens the interval
A review should happen straight away, whenever your last one was, if any of the following apply:
- A change of tenant. New occupants mean a new pattern of water use, and it’s good practice to confirm the system is still low-risk before they move in.
- An extended void period. If a property has sat empty, water in the pipework can stagnate, exactly the condition Legionella needs to establish itself.
- Changes to the water system. New pipework, a replaced boiler or cylinder, or any plumbing work can alter how water moves (or doesn’t move) through the property.
- A change of use. Converting a property into an HMO, or adding rooms with their own water outlets, increases the number of outlets and the risk of some falling out of regular use.
- Any sign of a problem. Discoloured water, unusual smells, or a previous assessment flagging borderline temperatures are all reasons to review now rather than wait for your next planned review.
Why “infrequently used outlets” matter so much
Of all the risk factors an assessment looks for, dead legs and infrequently used outlets are consistently the most common finding, particularly in rented properties. A spare room, an outbuilding, or a shower that a tenant simply doesn’t use can sit stagnant for weeks, and it’s precisely that stagnant water, sitting in the temperature range Legionella bacteria favour, that a risk assessment is designed to catch.
Keeping a record
Beyond the legal minimum, keeping a documented history of assessments and any remedial action taken is what protects you if a dispute or incident ever arises. A single old certificate isn’t enough on its own, what matters is being able to show an ongoing, proportionate approach to managing the risk.
If you’re not sure when your last assessment was carried out, or whether recent changes to a property mean you’re due a review sooner than planned, get in touch and we can advise based on your specific situation.
What are the Benefits of using Bluewire Hub for your Legionella Risk Assessments?
Compliance with Regulations:
Our assessor holds the ABBE Level 2 Award in Legionella Awareness and carries out every assessment in line with the HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 (fourth edition).
Prompt and Reliable Service:
We pride ourselves on delivering efficient and reliable services. We’ll aim to schedule your assessment at a time convenient for you, and our turnaround time for providing Legionella Risk Assessments is quick and hassle-free. If you are looking for an urgent appointment we will always do our best to accommodate your request.
Expert Analysis:
Once the assessments are complete, we provide you with a detailed analysis of the findings, you can download an example report here. This helps you understand the potential risks and the necessary steps to eliminate them.
Clear Pricing:
We price by the number of taps in the property, so you pay for the size of the water system being assessed. Tell us your tap count on the form and we will send you an exact quote.
