Lettings IT provider VTUK has updated its Gemini software with a legionella check.
It did so after surveying agents and finding that only 5% had a process in place to undertake the risk assessment required for legionella.
It has been a requirement since March last year for landlords or their agents to check for Legionnaires Disease, or face penalties.
Peter Grant, VTUK’s chief executive, said: “Legionella is silent, but deadly, with 300-400 cases reported each year. Even though the agents we surveyed are professional and compliant, our evidence shows that testing for legionella is simply not happening.”
There is considered to be a risk of legionella in residential lettings properties for a number of reasons – where a property has been refurbished and pipes have been sealed, or where tenants are away for several weeks at a time so water in supply systems becomes stagnant.
The new update in Gemini software prompts agents to remember to run a legionella check.
Prime central London estate agency W.A. Ellis has recently amended its tenancy agreements to include a clause on legionella, particularly due to the higher number of tenants who use their London properties as occasional pied-à-terres.
Lucy Morton, head of lettings at W.A. Ellis, said: “With a high number of corporate tenants in London who may travel overseas for work or live in the UK temporarily, properties can be empty for weeks at a time, leading to a higher risk of legionella.
“Tenants should be made aware of the risks, and encouraged to run their water through every week. We have added this to our agreements as legionella appears to be more prevalent than it used to be.”
http://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/news_features/New-duty-for-agents-to-check-for-legionnaires-disease
Comments
I was going to reply to this yesterday but I was fighting with other red tape and nonsense that hinders me actually doing my job.
Oh no, more red tape and nonsense to do, no time for a full reply................
@Lord Denning
Because as you said Sir in your brilliant 1954 decision, it is the small jobs about the house.
Please don't say you think doing a risk assessment for Legionaire's potential is something the average tenant is capable of doing? Apart from anything else how do they access the property to assess before they live there?
The whole point here is that 99%+ of properties will not pose any risk, especially all those with completely self-contained supply in a sealed system.
What is needed is special clauses in Landlord Contract and Tenant Terms and Coinditions advising them of the situation relating to the unit they are renting i.e. that there never has been an incident and it is highly unlikely there ever will be.
This is becoming a current topic with one firm (there are many) doing the rounds at ARLA meetings to advise. The whole problem has been thrown up because the HSE has backtracked on previous wishy washy advice and now stated it is Landlord responsibility.
Landlord therefore on notice.
Why does the Denning judgement not apply here - i.e. acting in a tenant like manner and doing those small jobs etc that a house owner would do? So who is responsible for checking for this in their own properties?
Michael
You know you are a complete berk, but sadly so now does anyone else reading this.
Do you really not understand the liabilities and obligations on Landlords/agents in terms of Legionaires disease?
Read up, wise up and I suggest, grow up
This is discrimination against Legionaires.
Personally I think that we lettings agents should also be responsible for checks for fluoride, magnetic radiation, mosquitoes, crop spraying farmers, taxis going by after 11PM, possible future roundabouts, road disruption due to burst water mains, school buses getting punctures, and ratty mother in laws. Oh how about broadband speeds being less than claimed by the broadband suppliers, junk mail and a new Tesco opening in the neighbourhood.
We should also be responsible for tenants losing jobs, having babies and great parties where the guests vomit down the walls.
Whilst we are at it, we should also be responsible for new neighbours coming in, who are obnoxious.
Yup, we need to be responsible for far more. Lack of flood prevention, change of government, and indeed don't let us forget President Morsi not sticking to the spirit of his mandate promises.
I would also like to hold myself responsible for the new royal baby, but well, I don't think I dare.