PAT Testing for Landlords

Anyone who lets residential accommodation as a business activity (such as houses, flats and bedsits, holiday homes, caravans and boats) and is acting as Landlord, is required by law to ensure the equipment they supply as part of the tenancy is safe. This can be done easily through our PAT testing for landlords service.

As a landlord, you have a duty to prevent harm to your tenants from electrical appliances that you supply. Portable appliance testing is widely regarded as being the best way of complying with this obligation. Without a programme of planned appliance testing and maintenance, you could be legally liable for damages resulting from your untested appliances. This covers all portable appliances that you supply, including fridges and freezers, microwave ovens (see microwave testing also), televisions and vacuum cleaners.

The regulations on electrical appliances PAT testing for landlords

The Housing Act 2004 (England and Wales) provides for a safe and healthy environment for any potential occupiers, or visitors, from an electrical perspective this includes portable electric equipment. The condition of associated leads and plugs of portable appliances should also be taken into account in the assessment if they are provided as part of a rented dwelling. Portable Appliance Testing is one way of ensuring equipment is safe for continued use.

Guidance from Communities and Local Government (CLG) indicates that when accommodation is re-let, the electrical appliances will be classed as being supplied to that tenant for the first time, and should therefore be re-checked.

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory since 1 January 1997, state that all electrical appliances supplied with let accommodation must be safe. This applies to both new and second-hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use of the Tenant. The only sure method of ensuring that these appliances are safe is to have them tested by a trained competent person using the appropriate calibrated portable appliance testing equipment.

You can find out about the Acts and Regulations that may affect you on our information page.

Some examples of safety concerns discovered for owners on our testing inspection...