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Newark Agent Issues Stark Legionella Warning To Nottinghamshire Landlords

A Newark based agent has today issued a stark warning to Nottinghamshire landlords to ensure that they are legally compliant with regards to Legionella, after a raft of mixed messages.

Buttercross Estates based on Middle Gate, Newark, has warned that if landlords are found to be at fault it could result in fines up to £20,000 per breach.

The property management specialist is incorporating a basic legionella risk assessment as part of its full management package, and is welcoming landlords to attend its free landlord clinic every Thursday for advice.

Managing director at Buttercross Estates, Daniel Otton, said: “There has been a lot of confusion surrounding legionella risk assessments and the obligations for a landlord. As the person in control of the premises, the landlord is responsible for health and safety and is legally required to take the right precautions to reduce the risks of exposure. If you have appointed a managing agent, you need to check your contract to see who is the responsible party.

“Every Nottinghamshire landlord needs to identify and assess sources of risk, manage any risks, prevent or control any risks, keep and maintain the correct records and periodically check that the control measures are effective.”

Legionnaire’s Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionnaires’ disease bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is classed as a ‘dangerous substance’ in law, in much the same way as asbestos, and is a deadly threat with far reaching consequences.

A landlord in Devon was faced with bills of more than £40,000 to repair a contaminated property in order to prevent legionnaire’s disease spreading even further.

By law, a landlord is required to identify and assess sources of risk, prevent, control and manage the risk then periodically check that the control measures are effective.

Mr Otton added: “If a landlord doesn’t have the sufficient expertise, they must appoint a ‘competent person’ or specialist to carry out a risk assessment.

“A competent person is someone with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to manage health and safety, including the control measures. All ACOP L8 certified persons are classed as competent persons.”

For more information, or for expert advice, please visit: http://www.buttercrossestates.com/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Poppy-PR .