PAT Testing for Landlords
Any landlord who lets residential accommodation which includes flats, apartments, houses, holiday homes, boats and caravans as a business activity is required by law to ensure the electrical appliances they supply as part of the tenancy are regularly PAT tested and safe. This is detailed in the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations act 1994 that states that electrical equipment connected to the mains which is supplied with the accommodation must be safe. These appliances include hobs, washing machines, toasters, kettles, new or second-hand. Landlords therefore need to regularly PAT test and maintain all electrical equipment periodically - as they may become faulty over time.
From a tenant’s perspective, it is essential that a property is checked prior to moving in to ensure that all appliances supplied are in a safe working condition. Records should be available from landlords details the appliances supplied as part of the tenancy agreement and the checks made on those goods. The record should indicate who carried out the PAT Testing and when they did it.
It is strongly advisable to have the PAT testing of equipment completed before the start of each let. It would be good practice to have the equipment checked at regular intervals thereafter. You should obtain and retain PAT testing reports detailing the equipment, the tests carried out and the results.