What is PAT and why do I need it?

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Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the inspection of electrical appliances to ensure they are safe. Most faults can be found from a visual examination of the item, but some defects can only be found with a test

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Portable Appliance Testing is not an official legal requirement for landlords in England and Wales, however, it is considered best practice. The government state that landlords must make sure “the electrical system is safe” and “all appliances they supply are safe”. Whilst it is not a government legal requirement, it may be a condition enforced by your local council. Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must have PAT tests carried out.

So, if it’s not a legal requirement, why should landlords bother?

Carrying out a professional PAT test on any appliances you provide in your rental property helps you to uphold your duty of care to your tenant. 53.4% of accidental home fires in England were caused by electrics in 2018-2019, with 25.9% caused directly by faulty electrical appliances (Electrical Safety First).

By ensuring all electrical appliances are fit for use, your tenant is at much less risk. Additionally, if your tenant is harmed by a tested and approved appliance you have provided – you can show that did everything reasonably practicable to ensure their safety.

What electrical items need to be PAT tested?

A usual ‘rule of thumb’ for PAT testing is that anything that has an electrical plug and can be moved should be tested.

This can be all sorts of things, including:

• Microwaves and portable grills

• Toasters

• Kettles and coffee machines

• Televisions

• Stereos

• Lamps

• Vacuum cleaners

Larger appliances such as fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers, may seem like a fixed appliance, but for testing purposes, they are considered portable because they have a plug.

Similarly, some items that are fixed to a surface but have a plug socket, like a heated towel rail, also fall under the PAT testing recommendations.

Extension leads are another frequently tested item as they are a common safety hazard. Realistically, extension leads should be avoided where possible – but if you do provide your tenant with any, it’s wise to get them tested.

How often should landlords carry out a PAT test?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) gives no specific recommendation for how frequently PAT tests should be carried out because each environment and appliance calls for different measures.

For landlords, it’s good practice to have all your appliances PAT tested before a new tenant moves in. After this, smaller appliances should be tested every two years and larger items like fridges and washing machines should be tested in four-year intervals.

What does a professional PAT test involve?

A professional PAT test involves an electrical engineer visiting the property to perform a visual inspection and test of all appliances. The engineer will attach a sticker to the appliance indicating whether it has passed or failed the inspection as well as the date the test was carried out.

Should I record and label PAT tested appliances?

Your electrical engineer will label all appliances they have checked and will also provide you with a certificate for your records. This certificate is proof that you have taken the necessary steps to ensure your rental property is electrically safe.