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Scotland compliance
Scotland· Good practice

Legionella risk assessment for Scotland landlords

Landlords should assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in a property’s water system before first letting it and review the assessment periodically. For most domestic lets this is a simple assessment rather than a formal test.

How often

Every 2 years

Applies to

Scotland only

Status

Good practice

Why it matters

There is a general duty to keep tenants safe from health risks. Most low-risk domestic systems need only a straightforward assessment and basic controls, such as avoiding stagnant water.

How to stay compliant

Assess the water system before first letting.
Apply simple controls and tell tenants how to reduce risk.
Review at least every two years, or sooner if the system changes.

Track legionella assessment the easy way

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay for a test?

Usually not. For most domestic properties a simple risk assessment is enough; full testing is rarely required.

How often should I review it?

At least every two years, or sooner if the water system changes.

Legal basis: gov.scot Repairing Standard statutory guidance (water supply); hse.gov.uk legionella landlord guidance

This is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Rules change and can vary by case, so always confirm current requirements with official guidance for your nation.