For landlords
Legionella test kits for landlords
Landlords must assess the risk from legionella, but HSE says testing the water is not usually required for domestic systems. If you still want a test, for example after a long void or at an agent's request, a single laboratory kit costs from about £40.
Last reviewed October 2026 against HSE guidance.
Rather have a professional take the samples?
A water hygiene specialist takes the samples and a UKAS-accredited laboratory analyses them. No obligation.
We pass your enquiry to a UK legionella specialist who covers your area. We do not sell your details for marketing. Privacy.
What landlords actually have to do
The duty is to assess the risk and keep it low. HSE says this does not require an in-depth, detailed assessment and that most landlords can do it themselves. It also says:
- testing is not usually required for domestic hot and cold water systems
- the law does not require landlords to obtain or produce a ‘legionella test certificate’
So a kit is never a substitute for the risk assessment. Start with the free risk assessment template on our sister site.
When a kit makes sense for a rental
- the property has been empty for a long time and you want reassurance after flushing
- the system has a cold water tank or cylinder and temperatures have been poor
- tenants include someone at higher risk
- your letting agent, insurer or licence asks for a test result
- the property has a hot tub or spa bath
Kits that suit a single rental property
For one property you will usually want one to three samples, a UKAS-accredited laboratory and a simple return. These listings state their laboratory accreditation and include return of the sample.
How this comparison works. We are independent of the sellers listed and do not currently receive commission from any of them. Details were read from each seller's own product page in October 2026. Prices and terms change, so check the seller's page before you buy.
Legionella Testing Kit
Smartwater Testing
From £45 plus VAT
- Samples
- Bottles based on number of hot outlets
- Laboratory
- UKAS accredited laboratory
- Detects
- Not stated
- Results
- About 14 days
- Return
- Free courier collection or Freepost
Aimed at landlords, care homes, dentists and schools.
View on seller's site →Legionella Testing Kit
uRisk
£52.00 plus VAT
- Samples
- 1 bottle
- Laboratory
- UKAS accredited laboratory
- Detects
- All legionella species (culture)
- Results
- At least 10 to 14 days
- Return
- Pre-paid return pack
Delivery fee applies. Orders posted on Mondays only. Includes a support call.
View on seller's site →Legionella Test
AquaCert
£57.86 check VAT at checkout
- Samples
- 1 bottle (1 litre)
- Laboratory
- UKAS accredited
- Detects
- Over 50 legionella species, with extra analysis for L. pneumophila
- Results
- Usually 14 to 18 days
- Return
- Free courier pick-up (not Scottish Highlands or UK islands)
Outbound postage charged. Report includes risk level and recommendations. Sample must reach the lab within 48 hours.
View on seller's site →Legionella (Laboratory Test)
Watersafe UK
£76.99 inc VAT (£64.16 ex VAT)
- Samples
- 1 bottle
- Laboratory
- UKAS certified analysis by a UK laboratory
- Detects
- L. pneumophila serogroup 1 and serogroups 2 to 14
- Results
- 10 to 12 working days after receipt
- Return
- Pre-paid label and courier collection
Free delivery. 2 to 3 kits £71 each, 4 or more £65 each.
View on seller's site →What to keep on file
- the laboratory's certificate of analysis, with the outlet and date sampled
- your risk assessment and the date of its last review
- a note of any action you took after the result
A test result describes one sample on one day. Your risk assessment and the routine controls are what show the property is looked after.
Questions people ask
Do landlords need a legionella test kit?
Not usually. HSE says testing is not usually required for domestic hot and cold water systems. Landlords need a risk assessment.
How much is a legionella test for a rental property?
A single postal laboratory kit is listed at about £40 to £85. Professional sampling is quoted per visit.
Will a test kit give me a legionella certificate?
The laboratory issues a certificate of analysis for the sample. It is not a legal certificate for the property, and no such certificate is required by law.
Sources
- HSE: Legionella and landlords' responsibilities
- HSE: HSG274 Part 2, The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems
Checked against these sources in October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Want it done for you?
Tell us about the property and we will pass your enquiry to a UK water hygiene specialist.
Get a sampling quote →