Hottest bank holiday on record prompts Legionnaires’ warning for Northampton landlords

Landlords in Northampton are being warned about the risks of Legionnaires’ disease amid reforms to the Renters’ Rights Act after the UK recorded its hottest bank holiday weekend on record.

The deadly disease thrives in water temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius, with 472 cases recorded in the UK in 2024 alone.

Changes to the Renters’ Rights Act – which came into effect at the beginning of this month – mean landlords are liable to fines of up to £20,000 if their property isn’t compliant with new regulation.

In fatal cases, landlords can even be sentenced to time in prison.

Legionella bacteria multiplies in warm water and can spread through tiny airborne water droplets. If inhaled, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious type of pneumonia that is particularly dangerous for older people and those with weaker immune systems.

Water temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius provide the ideal range to allow the bacteria to grow quickly in a water system putting anyone who then uses it at risk of contracting the disease.

Water stored in tanks or pipes, particularly if they are exposed to sunlight, can easily reach the ideal incubation temperature. During warmer periods, increased use of air-conditioning units can aerosolise the bacteria, allowing it to be inhaled.

Leah Stone, Director of Legionella Guard, said: “Warmer weather provides the ideal conditions for Legionella to thrive. Water tanks and pipes that are in direct sunlight very quickly become more susceptible to Legionella growth.

“With enforcement tightening under the Renters’ Rights Act, and temperatures rising as summer approaches, landlords in Northampton cannot afford to treat Legionella risk as a tick‑box exercise.”

Legionella Guard has been developed to make it easier for landlords to mitigate against the risks that warmer temperatures bring as summer approaches.

The platform streamlines compliance by allowing landlords to become accredited assessors through HSE‑compliant e‑learning, with fast risk assessments and simple evidence storage.

Leah added: “Our new digital platform is designed to make compliance straightforward, affordable, and achievable.

“It enables landlords to manage risk effectively, protecting tenants and themselves at the same time. It’s a simple answer to a long-standing industry need.”

Typical symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include chest pain, coughing, a high temperature, and breathlessness. While most people make a full recovery, legionellosis can be a serious condition.