PAT testing for landlords: what actually needs testing

PAT stands for portable appliance testing: a qualified person checks each plug-in appliance you supply, by eye and with a tester, and labels it pass or fail. It takes a few minutes per item and gives you a dated record that the appliances in your property were safe.

What needs PAT testing

The rule of thumb: if you supplied it and it plugs into a socket, it goes on the list. In a typical furnished let that means:

• Kitchen: fridge or fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher (if it plugs in), microwave, kettle, toaster
• Living areas and bedrooms: TV, lamps, fans, dehumidifiers, portable heaters
• Cleaning: vacuum cleaner, iron
• Leads: extension leads and any plug-in cables you leave in the property

What doesn't need PAT testing

• Hard-wired items, such as an electric shower, a cooker or hob on a cooker switch, an immersion heater, wired-in heaters and extractor fans. These are part of the fixed installation, so the EICR covers them.
• Gas appliances. A gas hob or fire is covered by the annual gas safety check.
• Your tenant's own appliances. You're only responsible for what you provide.

How often to test

Scotland

PAT testing is part of the Repairing Standard. Scottish Government guidance says landlord-supplied portable appliances should be tested by a competent person at least every five years, usually alongside the EICR, and you should keep the record. Many landlords also check appliances between tenancies.

England and Wales

There's no specific PAT law for rented homes, but you're responsible for making sure the appliances you supply are safe. A PAT record is the simplest way to show you did that. Common practice is to test at the start of each tenancy or every one to two years. HMO licences often make it a condition.

Getting an accurate quote

Contractors usually price PAT testing as a call-out or minimum charge plus a price per item. If you just ask for "a PAT test", you'll get a guess. If you send a list, you'll get a real quote. Before you book:

1. Walk round the property and list every item you supplied that plugs in, room by room.
2. Note anything that failed last time, or that's never been tested.
3. Ask whether they can do it on the same visit as the EICR. It often saves a call-out.

If an item fails, take it out of use straight away and repair or replace it before your tenant uses it again. A brand-new appliance doesn't need testing the day it arrives. Just add it to your list so it's covered next time.

How Panta handles PAT

Every property on Panta has a PAT list built from its appliance register. Plug-in appliances are on it by default, hard-wired ones are left off, and you can quick-add the usual items like a kettle, toaster, TV and lamps in a few taps. When you book a PAT test, or Panta books the renewal for you, contractors see the list item by item and their quote starts with a line for each appliance. When the test is done, you record the results and your compliance tracker moves on to the next date.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, and licensing conditions vary by council, so check the requirements for your property.