As Harrogate property owners and managers prepare for a busy 2026, there’s one risk hiding in plain sight that too often gets overlooked: Legionella bacteria in building water systems.
While most of us worry about obvious hazards like fire safety or structural maintenance, Legionella lurks quietly in hot and cold water systems — and the law places clear responsibilities on those in control of premises to manage it.
Ignoring this isn’t just risky for tenants and visitors — it could also put you on the wrong side of UK health and safety regulations.
What is Legionella and Why Should Harrogate Property Owners Take Notice?
Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in warm water environments, typically between 20°C and 45°C, where it can multiply and spread through tiny water droplets or aerosols.
When inhaled, these droplets can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that can be life-threatening, particularly for older people or those with compromised immune systems.
In Harrogate’s historic buildings — many featuring older plumbing systems with water tanks, dead legs (unused pipe sections), or low turnover of water — the conditions can be especially conducive to hidden Legionella risk points.
Even if a property looks in good repair on the outside, the water system may harbour risk factors that aren’t visible until inspected with the right expertise.
Hidden 2026 Risks You Probably Haven’t Thought About
1. Stagnant Water in Infrequently Used Outlets
Properties with multiple flats or seldom-used bathrooms often have taps, showers, or kitchen outlets that go long periods without running. Stagnant water dramatically increases Legionella growth potential — and most landlords don’t check for it regularly.
2. Old Header Tanks and Uninsulated Pipes
Many Harrogate homes, especially older terraces and converted buildings, have cold water tanks and poorly insulated pipework in loft spaces or basements. If these are not well-maintained, they can sit in the ideal temperature range for Legionella to flourish.
3. Missed Duty to Assess Risk
Unlike gas and electrical safety checks, Legionella risk assessment isn’t always top-of-mind for property owners — but UK health and safety law requires duty holders to identify and manage Legionella risk.
This includes landlords, building managers, and anyone else in control of a property’s water systems.
4. Misunderstanding of the Legal Position on Testing
There’s a persistent myth that landlords must obtain a “Legionella test certificate.” In fact, while landlords must assess and control risk, testing water for Legionella is generally not required in domestic systems and no test certificate is mandated — only evidence of risk assessment and control.
The Legal Requirements — What You Actually Must Do
If you’re responsible for a Harrogate building — whether it’s a private rental, a business premises, a guest house, or even a family home with tenants — you have legal duties under UK health and safety law:
· Identify and assess legionella risk in your water systems.
· Manage any risks found, with proportionate actions to reduce or eliminate them.
· Prevent or control risks through maintenance, temperature control, and water flow.
· Keep records of your assessments and actions taken.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) summarises these duties under its Legionnaires’ disease guidance — responsibilities that apply whether you manage one property or a portfolio.
Is a Legionella Risk Assessment Mandatory? Yes — legally you must consider Legionella risk and conduct a Legionella risk assessment of your premises’ water systems.
This is your first step in demonstrating compliance and protecting occupants’ health.
However, you are not legally required to have a professional carry out the assessment, nor must you obtain a Legionella test certificate like you would a gas safety certificate.
The emphasis under UK law is on proportionate and practical steps based on the level of risk.
That said, many property owners find it helpful to work with experienced providers, especially for complex premises or where older water systems are involved.
If you’re considering external expertise in Yorkshire, you can connect with qualified Legionella risk assessors who understand both compliance and local building features.
Practical Steps for Harrogate Building Owners
Here are some practical actions to protect tenants and stay compliant:
· Regular Water System Checks
Run taps and showers at least weekly in seldom-used areas to prevent stagnation.
· Manage Water Temperatures
Ensure hot water is stored at higher temperatures where safe and cold water stays below the range that encourages Legionella growth.
· Inspect Tanked Systems
Check loft and roof tanks for insulation, covers, and cleanliness — contamination and temperature fluctuations here are common hidden risk factors.
· Document What You Do
Whether you carry out the assessment yourself or use a specialist, keep a record of findings and control measures. This evidence is key if your compliance ever gets questioned.
· Inform Occupants
If you manage a building with multiple residents or tenants, let them know what control measures are in place — and what they should report (e.g., temperature issues or low flow). Clear communication can help prevent small issues becoming big problems.
Why Take Action Now (Before It’s Too Late)?
Ignoring Legionella risk isn’t just about breaching guidance — it’s about your legal obligations and duty of care. Poorly managed water systems have been linked to outbreaks that led to serious illness, fines, and reputational damage for duty holders.
For Harrogate property owners, the combination of varied property ages, weather patterns favouring bacterial growth, and seasonal occupancy changes (let-outs, holiday lets, second homes) makes 2026 the year to get ahead of this hidden risk.
Conclusion — Protect Harrogate Properties and People
Legionella may be invisible, but its risks are real — and the law in 2026 demands that building owners and managers take sensible, proportionate action to control it.
You don’t need to panic, but you do need a plan: assess the water systems, manage risks, and document the steps you take.
For thorough, professional support across Yorkshire — including Harrogate — qualified Legionella risk assessors are available to help you meet your obligations and protect those who live, work, or visit your building
