Portable appliance test

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a safety check on your property's non-fixed electricals.

As a landlord, you have a duty of care to ensure the electrical appliances you provide are safe for your tenant to use.

Most faults can be found from a visual inspection, but some defects can only be found with a test.

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 a date for the next recommended inspection.

To save time (and money), it's wise to book a PAT test and EICR inspection in one visit. This way, you'll ensure your electrics are fully compliant and your future renewal dates will be at the same time of year.

Technically it should just be called a 'PAT' - not a 'PAT test' - but, just like the old 'PIN' and 'PIN number' debacle, this is what it's commonly called.

Portable Appliance Testing is not a legal requirement for landlords in England and Wales, although it is recommended every two years - or at the beginning of a new tenancy.

Although not a government law, it may be a condition enforced by your local council. Some areas, such as Newcastle Upon Tyne, require landlords to carry out a PAT test.

Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must have PAT tests carried out and it is a legal requirement in Scotland under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014.

As a general rule of thumb, any appliances with an electrical plug that can be moved should be tested. This includes:

• Televisions
• Stereos
• Microwaves and portable grills
• Toasters
• Coffee machines
• Vacuum cleaners
• Lamps

Large white goods, like fridges, freezers and washing machines, may seem like a fixed appliance, but for testing purposes, they are considered portable because they have a plug.

Some items that are fixed to surfaces but have a plug may also require PAT testing, such as heated towel rails.

Although not a legal requirement, a professional PAT test helps landlords uphold their duty of care to their 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.

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.

There is no specific guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on how frequently PAT tests should be carried out as each situation is different.

It's good practice to have all your appliances tested before a new tenancy begins. From this point, smaller appliances should be tested every two years, and larger items such as white goods should be tested in four-year intervals.