HomePAT 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
Although there is no explicit requirement for PAT testing under the Housing Act 2004, landlords have a legal obligation to ensure the equipment they supply is safe under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. PAT testing provides a record of maintenance and ensures appliances are safe for use, offering protection against potential negligence claims.
The regulations are more specific for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), where the landlord must provide safety certificates for all electrical appliances when requested.
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 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.
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 performed by anyone who has received appropriate training. For landlords looking to carry out their own PAT testing, they will need to attend a course and have a PAT testing machine. For this type of testing a fairly basic PAT testing machine is usually sufficient. The tester that we would recommend is the Kewtech Ezypat.
PAT Testing in Short-Term Rentals
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
In addition to PAT testing, it's highly recommended that landlords ensure the electrical equipment they supply has not been subjected to any product recalls. Over the past few years, there have been several major product recalls, particularly for white goods. Alarmingly, there are over a million untraced appliances from just three product recalls by Bosch, Beko, and Hotpoint.
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.
Conclusion
For landlords, PAT testing is an important aspect of ensuring tenant safety and protecting against potential legal issues. Whether running a long-term rental property or a short-term holiday let, maintaining the safety of provided appliances should always be a priority. Regular PAT testing, whether performed personally following appropriate training or by hiring a professional, offers peace of mind that all electrical appliances are safe and fit for purpose.
If you're interested in carrying out the PAT testing yourself, please contact us to learn more about our PAT testing training courses.