LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENTS — SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE
Legionella Risk Assessment Southampton
If you need a Legionella risk assessment in Southampton, Dorset Legionella Surveys provides a professional on-site inspection and written HSE ACOP L8 compliant report for landlords, HMO owners, commercial premises, and letting agents across Southampton and Hampshire. Reports issued the same day or next working day.
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ACOP L8 HSE Compliant Reports |
Same Day Report Turnaround |
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Gas Safe Registered No. 943146 |
SO Area Southampton & Hampshire Coverage |
Legionella Risk Assessment Southampton — Who Needs One?
Southampton is one of the south of England’s largest cities, with a substantial private rented sector, a significant student HMO market, a major port, and a wide range of commercial premises — all of which carry Legionella risk. The city has two universities and a large transient population, meaning many properties change hands or tenants regularly, requiring updated Legionella risk assessments each time.
Legionella bacteria multiply in water that sits between 20°C and 45°C — the temperature range commonly found in pipework that is not properly managed. Inhalation of a contaminated water mist or spray from a shower or tap can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. In an HMO with shared bathrooms used by multiple occupants, the risk profile is higher than in a standard residential let.
Southampton City Council carries out housing enforcement and may request evidence of Legionella risk assessment compliance during HMO licensing inspections. Dorset Plumbing Ltd produces reports that fully satisfy these requirements, giving landlords and letting agents the documentation they need.
🏘️ Student HMOs & Multi-Occupancy Properties
Southampton’s student HMO market around the University of Southampton and Solent University requires particular attention. Shared water systems, multiple showers, and high occupant turnover all elevate Legionella risk and compliance obligations.
🏠 Private Residential Lets
All private landlords in Southampton with properties to let must carry out a Legionella risk assessment before each new tenancy. This is a legal duty, not optional guidance, and applies regardless of property size.
🏢 Commercial Premises & Businesses
Offices, hotels, care homes, leisure facilities, and any other commercial premises in Southampton with a water system must maintain a written Legionella risk assessment and a scheme of control under HSE ACOP L8.
Your Legal Duties
Three pieces of legislation create a clear legal duty to manage Legionella risk in any property with a water system.
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Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Requires those in control of premises to protect the health and safety of all persons who may be affected — including tenants, employees, and members of the public. |
COSHH Regulations 2002 Classifies Legionella as a hazardous biological agent. Duty-holders must assess the risk, implement controls, and keep records of the assessment and any monitoring carried out. |
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HSE ACOP L8 The Approved Code of Practice sets out exactly how Legionella risk must be assessed, managed, and documented. Compliance provides legal protection and is the accepted industry standard. |
HSG274 Technical Guidance Technical guidance on controlling Legionella in hot and cold water systems, including temperature targets, monitoring frequencies, and disinfection methods. |
What Our Southampton Legionella Report Includes
Every report follows HSE ACOP L8 and HSG274 guidance. Here is what is included as standard for all Southampton properties.
💧 Water System Inspection
Full inspection of all hot and cold water outlets, storage tanks, cylinders, showers, thermostatic mixing valves, dead legs, and any infrequently used sections of pipework.
🌡️ Temperature Readings
Hot water temperature recorded at every outlet — must reach 50°C within one minute. Cold water must remain below 20°C. All readings logged and any outliers flagged for action.
📋 Risk Scoring & Compliance Scorecard
Each element of the water system is risk-rated low, medium, or high. A compliance scorecard gives a clear summary of where the property stands and what — if anything — needs to change.
📄 Written PDF Report & Remedial Actions
A professional PDF report issued the same day or next working day. Remedial actions listed with priority ratings — suitable for council licensing applications and tenancy records.
Suitable for Southampton City Council HMO Licensing
Our reports are formatted to meet the evidence requirements for Southampton City Council HMO licensing and housing enforcement inspections. If you are applying for or renewing an HMO licence, our assessment will provide the documentation you need.
Areas We Cover Around Southampton
We carry out Legionella risk assessments across Southampton and the surrounding Hampshire area.
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📍 Southampton City Including Portswood, Shirley, Bitterne, Woolston, St Denys, and the city centre SO postcodes. |
📍 Eastleigh & Chandler’s Ford SO50, SO53 — residential lets, HMOs, and commercial premises. |
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📍 Totton & Waterside SO40 — Totton, Marchwood, Hythe, and the New Forest edge. |
📍 Romsey & Test Valley SO51 — Romsey and surrounding Test Valley villages. Call to confirm coverage. |
What to Expect on the Day
Our assessments are systematic and cause minimal disruption to tenants or occupants.
✓ Access to all water outlets: taps, showers, and any outside taps — run briefly to take temperature readings.
✓ Access to the boiler or hot water cylinder: thermostat setting and stored water temperature checked and recorded.
✓ Access to any loft tanks: cold water storage tanks inspected where present — a common risk area in older Southampton properties.
✓ Duration: 45–90 minutes for a standard residential property; longer for HMOs or commercial premises.
✓ Report delivery: PDF report emailed the same day or next working day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Legionella risk assessment a legal requirement for landlords in Southampton?
Yes. All landlords in Southampton — including private residential landlords — are required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the COSHH Regulations 2002 to assess the risk of Legionella in their properties. Southampton City Council may request evidence of compliance during housing inspections.
Do student HMO landlords in Southampton need a Legionella risk assessment?
Yes. HMOs — including student houses — require a Legionella risk assessment. Shared water systems with multiple showers and outlets used by different occupants carry an elevated risk. Southampton’s large student population means HMO compliance is closely monitored by the local authority.
How much does a Legionella risk assessment cost in Southampton?
Call us on 01202 270013 or WhatsApp for a fixed price based on your property type and size. Travel to Southampton is factored into our pricing — we will confirm the cost before booking.
What does the Legionella risk assessment report include?
Our report includes a full water system inspection, hot and cold temperature readings at every outlet, identification of dead legs and infrequently used outlets, a risk rating for each element, a compliance scorecard, and a list of any remedial actions required. You receive a PDF report the same day or next working day.
How often does a Legionella risk assessment need to be reviewed in Southampton?
The HSE recommends reviewing the assessment whenever there is reason to believe it is no longer valid — such as after renovation work, a change of tenancy, or a period of non-use. For most residential lets a review every two years is considered good practice. Commercial premises may require more frequent monitoring.
Legionella Risk Assessments Across Dorset & Hampshire
We cover the whole of Dorset and Hampshire — not just Southampton. If you manage properties elsewhere in the region, we can help.
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📍 Legionella Risk Assessment Bournemouth & Poole Covering all BH postcodes — Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ferndown, and Wimborne. |
📍 Legionella Risk Assessment Weymouth Covering Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland, and the surrounding DT postcode area. |
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Assessments from £59.99. Fill in our quick quote form and we will get back to you promptly. |
✅ Why Choose Dorset Legionella? Qualified assessors, plain English reports, competitive pricing, and fast turnaround across Dorset and Hampshire. |
BOOK A LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT
Covering Southampton, Eastleigh & the SO Area
Fixed price, same-day or next working day report. Call us or send a WhatsApp message with your property address and we will confirm availability and price.
Call 01202 270013 WhatsApp Us