Legionella Report

Managing Water Safety

A legionellarapport (Legionella report) is the documented outcome of a professional risk assessment of a building's water installation. Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in stagnant water at temperatures between 25°C and 55°C and can cause a severe type of pneumonia (Legionnaires' disease) if inhaled through aerosolized water droplets, such as from a shower. Dutch law mandates a proactive approach to Legionella prevention for owners of high-risk 'priority' locations, which include hospitals, hotels, and campsites. For residential properties, the rules are less stringent but a general duty of care (zorgplicht) still applies to landlords to provide a safe water system.

When is it Relevant for Tenants?

While an individual house or apartment with its own boiler is considered low-risk, the landlord's duty of care is still important. A key risk period is when a property has been vacant for an extended time, allowing water to stagnate in the pipes. A diligent landlord should inform a new tenant to thoroughly flush all hot and cold water taps and the shower for several minutes before first use to clear the system. In larger apartment complexes with complex, collective water systems, the building owner (or VvE) has a greater responsibility to manage Legionella risks, and in these cases, a formal risk assessment and management plan might be required. The report identifies potential problem areas (like dead-end pipes) and sets out a schedule for preventative measures, such as regular flushing or thermal disinfection.