Legionella Risks for Short-Term Lets in Scotland

The Scottish Government has created mandatory conditions for short-term let hosts in Scotland to adhere to, including gas, fire, electrical, and water safety. These licensing rules directly affect owners of properties that are used for short periods, like holiday rental properties from popular websites like Airbnb and Booking.com.

Within the water safety conditions that must be adhered to, the licence holder must carry out and assess the risk of exposure to Legionella within the premises. The licence holder can conduct the assessment and inspect the tanks and pipework in the property themselves. This is now a mandatory condition of having a licensing order and is a legal requirement for all short-term lets in Scotland.

Legionella can become a severe health risk to those subject to the bacteria, especially groups like the elderly, those with weak immune systems and smokers. There are steps property owners can take to minimise the risk of Legionella becoming present in their properties.

1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: You can do this yourself or hire a professional if you are competent. Generally speaking, in domestic settings, the risk of Legionella is low when water is used regularly and doesn't stagnate and if the water system is regularly maintained and cleaned. However, it can be expected for properties to be left empty for extended periods, so there might be an increased risk after the property has been vacant.
2. Control of Water Temperature: Legionella bacteria thrive in environments between 20°C and 45°C. To avoid these temperatures, cold water should be stored and distributed below 20°C, and hot water should be stored at least 60°C and distributed at least at 50°C. Critical areas of rental properties where this guidance should be adhered to are hot water systems, showers and taps, cooling towers, hot tubs, humidifiers, air conditioning systems and older plumbing systems.
3. Regularly Flush Out the System: If a property is vacant for a while, it's a good practice to flush out the system to prevent water stagnation. Systems can also be cleaned and disinfected to ensure maximum cleanliness in the property, and flushing can act as a preventative measure against Legionella.
4. Keep Records: It's advisable to record any risk assessment and control measures you put in place. This can be helpful as proof that you've taken the necessary steps to comply with your responsibilities. ETI provide a Temperature Logbook that can record temperatures taken, allowing you to have a fully traceable risk assessment.
5. Regular Checks: Even after a required risk assessment, it's good practice to check, inspect, and update risk assessments regularly. More frequent and detailed checks might be necessary in settings where the risk is higher, like properties that are often empty or have older water systems. The more regularly you check, the easier it is to prevent the presence of Legionella.

To adhere to the law, Frontline Safety recommends that each license holder own a legionnaire testing kit that allows property owners to test regularly and efficiently for legionella risk within their properties. Having an in-house testing kit that the owner can use for risk assessments keeps running costs of the property to a minimum while ensuring occupants are safe from any legionella bacteria.

For a full guide on how to use the ETI Legionnaires Thermomter Kit please read our blog on using the ETI legionnaires Kit to check for legionella risk safely and effectively in properties.

For full advice, regulations and guidance on the Licencing of Short Term Lets, please refer to the Scottish Government website, where full details and further information can be found.