PAT Testing for Landlords

As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring the property is safe and free from hazards. One crucial part of this is Portable Appliance Testing, or PAT Testing.

What is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing, commonly referred to as PAT testing, is the process of examining electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe for use. The test involves both a visual inspection and a series of electrical tests. The goal is to prevent electrical accidents by spotting issues early and taking corrective actions.

The Legal Requirement

There is no specific law that states landlords must carry out “PAT testing” at fixed intervals. However, landlords have a legal duty to ensure that any electrical equipment they supply as part of a tenancy is safe.

This duty arises under several pieces of legislation, including the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987. In addition, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to ensure that the fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years.

While the five-year inspection (EICR) applies to the fixed installation, it does not cover most plug-in appliances supplied with the property. PAT testing provides a structured method of demonstrating that portable appliances have been inspected and tested and are safe for continued use.

For Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), licensing conditions may impose additional requirements. Local authorities often expect landlords to provide evidence that electrical appliances supplied within HMOs are maintained in a safe condition. PAT testing is commonly used to demonstrate this.

Social Landlords (Housing Associations and Local Authorities)

If you manage social housing, the expectations around hazard response and record keeping are tightening. Awaab’s Law introduces fixed timescales for investigating and dealing with serious hazards, and from 2026 the scope is due to expand to include electrical hazards (where they present a significant risk of harm). That makes it even more important to have a clear system for managing any landlord-supplied electrical appliances in tenanted homes and communal areas, with records that can evidence what was checked and what action was taken. See our guide to Awaab’s Law and PAT testing for social landlords.

What Equipment Needs to be Tested?

The term Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) would seem to imply that it is only 'portable' equipment that needs to be tested, but this is not the case. PAT testing covers all electrical equipment that is connected to the mains electrical supply.

Most appliances will be connected to the supply via a plug and socket, but this is not always the case, some equipment, for example, electric heaters may be fixed to the wall and wired directly to the supply via a fused spur. These fixed appliances can often be overlooked, as landlords may assume they are covered by the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). It's advisable to confirm with the electrician conducting the EICR whether they have also tested the fixed appliances. This can help avoid any confusion and ensure that all appliances are appropriately tested.

You can also read our guide on what types of equipment require inspection and testing.

How often Does it need to be done?

Unlike the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which is required every 5 years, there is no predetermined period for PAT testing. Instead, it is guided by a risk assessment approach. Factors such as the type of equipment, who will be using it, and where it is located, will contribute to the level of risk associated with the appliance. For example, smaller portable appliances are more likely to become damaged due to mishandling or dropping, compared to larger, fixed appliances. An elderly tenant is less likely to notice a damaged appliance and the consequences of an electrical shock could be significantly more severe for them. We also have an article on conducting a PAT risk assessment.

Who Can Conduct PAT Testing?

While it might seem like a job for a qualified electrician, PAT testing can be carried out by anyone who is competent. If you’re a landlord considering doing it yourself, our guide explains what’s involved, what training is recommended, and what equipment you’ll need: can I do my own PAT testing?

PAT Testing for Holiday Lets

For landlords offering short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb, PAT testing is just as essential. As these properties are typically fully furnished, this will encompass a wider range of appliances, including televisions, vacuum cleaners, kettles, toasters, and more. These smaller appliances are generally considered higher risk than larger appliances such as fridges and washing machines. As such, more frequent testing is likely to be required in short-term and fully furnished rentals.

Product Recalls

Landlords should also check supplied appliances against current recall notices. See our guide to electrical product recalls for more information.

Regularly checking appliances against product recall lists can help prevent potential safety issues. In the event that a product in your property has been recalled, following the manufacturer's guidance is crucial - this typically involves stopping use of the product and contacting the manufacturer for further instructions. Keep in mind that this proactive step towards safety can make a significant difference in preventing electrical incidents in your rental properties.

The best resources for checking UK product recalls are:

• Office for Product Safety and Standards - Product Safety Alerts
• The UK Association of Fire Investigators - Product Recalls
• Electrical Safety First - Product Recalls

Appliances can also be registered with the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) registration scheme. This allows manufacturers to send you a notification should a product be recalled.

• AMDEA - Register My Appliance

Conclusion

For landlords, electrical safety is not optional, it is a legal responsibility. While PAT testing itself is not specifically mandated in legislation, it remains one of the most practical and widely recognised methods of demonstrating that supplied appliances are safe.

Whether you manage a single rental property or a larger portfolio, implementing a structured inspection and testing regime will reduce risk, demonstrate due diligence, and provide reassurance to tenants.

If you wish to carry out the testing yourself, our PAT testing training courses provide the knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, test and record results in accordance with current best practice.

Further reading

• Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
• Statutory guidance: Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016: Great Britain
• House in multiple occupation licence

Frequently Asked Questions