As a landlord, you want to ensure your rental property is safe for tenants. When it comes to electrical appliances you provide, PAT testing is a common topic of confusion. The short answer: PAT testing is not a legal requirement for landlords, but it is strongly recommended good practice, particularly for furnished properties.
Key Points:
- PAT testing is not legally required for landlords in England, Wales, or Scotland
- However, landlords have a general duty to ensure electrical equipment is safe under consumer protection law
- PAT testing is strongly recommended for furnished lets where you provide appliances
- Testing covers portable appliances (kettles, toasters, lamps) - not fixed wiring
- EICRs cover fixed electrical installations - PAT testing is separate and additional
- Testing typically costs £1-3 per appliance and is recommended every 1-2 years
- Keep records of all testing as evidence of due diligence
What is PAT Testing?
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It is the examination and testing of electrical appliances that plug into the mains to check they are safe to use. The test includes both a visual inspection and electrical tests to identify faults that could cause electric shock or fire.
PAT testing covers any electrical item with a plug that you provide to tenants, including:
- Kettles and toasters
- Microwaves
- Washing machines and tumble dryers
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Televisions and DVD players
- Lamps and lighting
- Vacuum cleaners
- Electric heaters
- Hair dryers (if provided)
- Extension leads and adaptors
It does not cover the fixed electrical installation (wiring, sockets, consumer unit) - that is assessed by an EICR inspection.
Is PAT Testing Legally Required for Landlords?
No, PAT testing is not a specific legal requirement for landlords in England, Wales, or Scotland. There is no law that states landlords must PAT test appliances in rental properties.
However, this does not mean you can ignore appliance safety entirely. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, landlords have a duty to ensure that any electrical products they supply are safe for tenants to use.
Additionally, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 require that electrical equipment supplied must be safe. If you provide faulty appliances and a tenant is injured, you could face civil claims and potentially criminal prosecution.
The practical position: While no law specifically requires PAT testing, it is the most practical way to demonstrate you have taken reasonable steps to ensure appliances are safe. If something goes wrong, having PAT test records provides valuable evidence of due diligence.
How PAT Testing Differs from EICR Requirements
It is important to understand the distinction between PAT testing and EICR requirements:
| Aspect | EICR | PAT Testing |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Fixed electrical installation (wiring, sockets, consumer unit) | Portable appliances with plugs |
| Legal requirement | Yes - mandatory every 5 years in England | No - recommended good practice |
| Who does it | Qualified electrician | Any competent person |
| Typical cost | £150-300 for a standard property | £1-3 per appliance |
An EICR is legally required every 5 years for rental properties in England. PAT testing is separate and additional - having a valid EICR does not cover your portable appliances, and vice versa.
For full details on EICR requirements, see our guide on how often landlords need an EICR.
Which Appliances Need Testing?
If you provide any electrical appliances with your rental property, those items should be considered for PAT testing. This is particularly relevant for:
Furnished Lettings
If you let a property fully or partly furnished, you likely provide multiple appliances. Common items include:
- Kitchen appliances: Fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, kettle, toaster
- Entertainment: Television, DVD player, sound system
- Heating: Portable electric heaters, electric fires
- Lighting: Table lamps, floor lamps
- Cleaning: Vacuum cleaner, iron
Unfurnished Lettings
Even in unfurnished properties, you may provide:
- White goods (fridge, washing machine)
- Fixed electric heaters
- Extractor fans with plugs
- Any appliances left by previous owners
What Does Not Need PAT Testing
- Items owned by the tenant
- Fixed wiring and sockets (covered by EICR)
- Gas appliances (covered by Gas Safety Certificate)
- Battery-powered items with no mains connection
- Items hardwired into the electrical system
How Often Should Landlords PAT Test?
Since PAT testing is not legally mandated, there is no required frequency. However, industry guidance suggests:
Recommended testing intervals:
- At each change of tenancy - Test all appliances before a new tenant moves in
- Annually - For properties with high appliance usage or vulnerable tenants
- Every 2 years - For standard furnished lettings with typical use
The appropriate frequency depends on several factors:
- Type of property: HMOs with shared appliances may warrant more frequent testing
- Condition of appliances: Older appliances may need more regular checks
- Tenant profile: Properties housing elderly or vulnerable tenants may justify additional precautions
- Usage levels: High-use items like kettles and washing machines may need more frequent testing
Practical approach: Many landlords test all appliances between tenancies and conduct annual visual inspections. This balances safety with practicality and cost.
Who Can Carry Out PAT Testing?
Unlike EICR inspections, PAT testing does not require a qualified electrician. Anyone who is "competent" can perform PAT testing. Competence means having:
- Understanding of electrical safety principles
- Training in how to use PAT testing equipment
- Ability to interpret test results correctly
- Knowledge of pass/fail criteria
Options for landlords:
-
Professional PAT testing service - Electricians and specialist companies offer mobile testing services, typically charging £1-3 per item with minimum callout fees of £30-60.
-
Letting agent - Some letting agents include PAT testing in their management services or can arrange it on your behalf.
-
DIY testing - With appropriate training and equipment (£100-300 for a basic tester), you can test your own appliances. Short training courses are available.
For most landlords with a small number of properties, using a professional service is the most practical option. The cost is modest and you receive certified documentation.
What Does PAT Testing Cost?
Typical costs for professional PAT testing:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Per appliance | £1-3 |
| Minimum callout/visit fee | £30-60 |
| Small property (5-10 items) | £50-80 |
| Larger furnished property (15-20 items) | £80-120 |
When getting quotes, check whether the price includes:
- Certificates and labels for each appliance
- A summary report
- Replacement of fuses if needed
- Advice on any items that fail
Some electricians offer PAT testing alongside EICR inspections, which can reduce overall costs through a combined visit.
Record Keeping
Maintaining records of PAT testing is essential to demonstrate due diligence. Keep records showing:
- Date of testing
- Items tested (with descriptions or asset numbers)
- Test results (pass/fail)
- Name of tester and their qualifications or company
- Next test due date
- Any faults found and actions taken
Records should be kept for at least the duration of each tenancy, and ideally for several years afterwards. If a tenant makes a claim regarding an electrical appliance, your records will be crucial evidence.
Labels: Tested appliances are usually given a label showing the test date and pass status. While labels help with tracking, the written records are the important evidence.
What Happens if an Appliance Fails?
If an appliance fails PAT testing:
- Remove it from service immediately - Do not allow it to be used
- Decide whether to repair or replace - For older items, replacement is often more cost-effective
- If repaired - Have it retested before returning to service
- Keep records - Document what failed, why, and what action was taken
- Dispose safely - Failed appliances should be disposed of properly to prevent reuse
Never leave a failed appliance in a rental property, even if you intend to replace it. A tenant might use it before the replacement arrives.
Relationship to Your Other Landlord Obligations
PAT testing fits into your broader electrical safety obligations as a landlord:
EICR (Mandatory)
The Electrical Installation Condition Report covers the fixed electrical installation and is legally required every 5 years in England. This is your primary legal obligation for electrical safety.
Smoke and CO Alarms (Mandatory)
You must have working smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.
PAT Testing (Recommended)
PAT testing covers portable appliances you provide and is recommended good practice, not a legal requirement.
Visual Checks
Between formal tests, conduct visual checks of appliances when you visit the property or between tenancies. Look for damaged cables, cracked casings, burn marks, or signs of overheating.
For a complete overview of all your legal obligations, see our landlord compliance guide.
Practical Recommendations
Based on the legal position and best practice, here is what we recommend:
For furnished properties:
- PAT test all provided appliances before a new tenant moves in
- Conduct annual visual inspections
- Keep comprehensive records
- Replace rather than repair old or questionable appliances
For unfurnished properties:
- PAT test any appliances you do provide (white goods, heaters)
- Ensure appliances are in good condition before each tenancy
For HMOs:
- PAT testing is particularly important for shared appliances
- Consider more frequent testing due to higher usage
- Include PAT testing as part of your regular compliance schedule
Insurance consideration: Some landlord insurance policies expect you to maintain electrical appliances in safe condition. While they may not specifically require PAT testing, having records of testing supports any claim you make and demonstrates responsible property management.
Check Your Compliance
Not sure if your rental property meets all safety requirements? Use our free Landlord Compliance Checker to assess your property and get a personalised action plan covering electrical safety, gas safety, fire safety, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No, PAT testing is not a specific legal requirement for landlords in England, Wales, or Scotland. However, landlords have a general duty under consumer protection law to ensure electrical appliances they provide are safe for tenants to use. PAT testing is the most practical way to demonstrate this duty has been met and is strongly recommended for furnished properties.
Yes, they cover different things. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) covers the fixed electrical installation - the wiring, sockets, and consumer unit. PAT testing covers portable appliances that plug into the mains, such as kettles, washing machines, and televisions. You need an EICR (legally required) AND should consider PAT testing (recommended) if you provide appliances.
While there is no legal requirement, testing at each change of tenancy is recommended as a minimum. For continuously occupied properties, annual or biannual testing is sensible. Higher-risk situations such as HMOs with shared appliances or properties housing vulnerable tenants may warrant more frequent testing.
You do not need a qualified electrician for PAT testing. Anyone who is competent can perform the tests. However, competence requires understanding of electrical safety, training in using PAT testing equipment, and ability to interpret results. Most landlords find it more practical to use a professional service, which typically costs £1-3 per appliance with a minimum callout fee.
Related Resources
Articles
- How Often Do Landlords Need an EICR? - Legal requirements for fixed installation testing
- Landlord Compliance Guide - Complete guide to all landlord legal obligations
- What is PAT Testing? - Detailed guide to portable appliance testing
- What is an EICR? - Understanding electrical installation condition reports
Tools
- Landlord Compliance Checker - Check your property's compliance status