PAT Testing Legal Requirements for UK Landlords

As a UK landlord, you have a legal duty to ensure that electrical appliances in your rental properties are safe. Here is what the law requires and how PAT testing helps you comply.

Your Legal Obligations

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep electrical installations in repair and proper working order. The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 require that all electrical equipment supplied as part of a tenancy must be safe. The Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 add further requirements about the safety of plugged equipment.

While none of these laws specifically mention PAT testing by name, PAT testing is the standard and accepted method of ensuring compliance. If an electrical appliance in your rental property causes injury or damage, and you cannot demonstrate that it was maintained and tested, you could face prosecution and civil liability.

What Should Be Tested?

Any electrical appliance provided by the landlord as part of the tenancy should be PAT tested. This includes white goods (fridge, washing machine, cooker), small appliances (kettle, toaster, microwave), heating equipment, and any other electrical items you supply. Tenants' own appliances are their responsibility.

How Often?

There is no legal requirement specifying how often PAT testing should be done. The IET Code of Practice recommends that landlords test appliances between each change of tenancy. For long-term tenancies, annual testing is generally considered good practice. Higher-risk items (such as portable heaters and extension leads) may warrant more frequent testing.

Keeping Records

Maintaining records of PAT testing is essential. Keep certificates, test results, and any pass/fail labels. These records demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps to ensure electrical safety and can be invaluable if a dispute or claim arises.