PAT Testing for Landlords and Businesses: A Plain Guide
What portable appliance testing is, who should have it, how often, what is tested, typical costs and how PAT testing differs from an EICR in the UK.
PAT stands for portable appliance testing. It is a routine check of electrical equipment that plugs into a socket, such as kettles, lamps, toasters and extension leads. People often confuse it with other inspections, so this guide explains what it is, who tends to need it and how it fits with your wider responsibilities.
What PAT testing involves
A tester carries out two kinds of checks:
- Visual inspection. Looking at plugs, cables, casing and the appliance for damage, wear, burn marks and signs of misuse.
- Electrical tests. Using a portable tester to check earth continuity, insulation and, where needed, leakage on suitable equipment.
Equipment that passes receives a label with an ID and date. Failed items should be taken out of use, repaired or replaced. A record of results is kept.
What it does not cover
PAT testing does not inspect the fixed wiring of a building, such as sockets in the wall, the consumer unit and circuits. That is the job of an EICR. A property can have valid PAT labels and still have poor fixed wiring, so they complement rather than replace each other.
Who should think about it
- Landlords. Landlords have a general duty to ensure appliances they supply are safe. There is no fixed legal requirement to PAT test in England for most lettings, but it is widely regarded as good practice for furnished properties and is often asked for by insurers and letting agents.
- Businesses and employers. Employers must keep work equipment safe and maintain it, which in practice often means regular inspection and testing of portable equipment, with the frequency based on risk.
- Schools, care homes and community venues. Often have more frequent schedules because of the people using the equipment.
- Event organisers and hire companies. Typically test equipment between uses.
If you are unsure, a competent tester can help set a sensible schedule.
How often
There is no single universal interval. It depends on the type of equipment and where it is used. Equipment used in hostile environments or by the public is checked more often. Fixed office equipment can go much longer between tests, with visual checks in between. A risk-based approach, recorded in writing, is usual.
Typical costs
PAT testing is commonly priced per item, with a minimum charge for a visit, and bulk discounts for larger numbers. As a rough guide, charges can be a pound or two per appliance for volume work, with minimum call-out fees on top. Regional variation applies. Ask whether the price includes labels, a report and retesting of repaired items.
Choosing a tester
- Ask about their competence, training and equipment calibration.
- Ask what the report will contain and in what format.
- Check they are insured for the work.
- Make sure they will leave you a record of failed items.
If you want help finding a competent person for electrical tasks, see how to find a registered electrician.
Between tests
Encourage users to check plugs and cables before use, report damage and keep equipment clean and ventilated. Remove anything that is hot, smells burnt or has a damaged lead. Extension leads and overloaded sockets covers safe everyday use.
A worked example
A landlord has a furnished two-bed flat with a kettle, toaster, microwave, two table lamps and a washing machine. They book a tester who checks each portable item, labels them and provides a short report. The washing machine's plug is found to have a damaged cable sheath and is taken out of use until replaced. The visit takes under an hour, with the item count driving the price. At the next tenancy change, the landlord does a quick visual check and keeps the report and any replacement receipts together. The frequency in practice is a judgement, so record the reasoning.
A simple record to keep
| Item | Location | Date tested | Result | Next check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | Kitchen | Date | Pass | Date |
| Extension lead | Lounge | Date | Fail, removed | Not applicable |
Keep it with tenancy or business records so you can show what was done and when.
Common mistakes
- Treating PAT labels as a substitute for fixed wiring inspection.
- Testing once and never again, or never reviewing between tenancies.
- Leaving failed items in place because they still seem to work.
- Forgetting items such as extension leads and lamps.
- Asking tenants to rely on their own damaged equipment without guidance.
Edge cases
- Furnished lets: appliances supplied by the landlord are the landlord's responsibility to keep safe.
- Home workers and small businesses: equipment used for work may fall under employer duties.
- Shared offices and units: agree who tests shared equipment.
- Second-hand items: inspect and test before use, particularly if they come with no history.
When to call a professional
Use a competent tester for formal testing, and a registered electrician for any repair involving fixed wiring or repeated tripping. Do not attempt to repair damaged plugs or flexes on equipment you are not qualified to deal with.
Frequently asked questions
Does a PAT label mean an appliance is safe forever?
No. It shows the item passed on the test date. Later damage or misuse can make it unsafe, so everyday checks still matter.
Are tenants' own appliances covered?
Landlords are generally responsible for the equipment they provide, while tenants are responsible for their own. Many landlords advise tenants on safe use.
Do new appliances need testing?
New equipment from a reputable supplier is usually inspected visually and added to the register, with testing following the schedule.
Can I do visual checks myself between professional tests?
Yes. Looking for damaged cables, cracked plugs, burn marks and loose parts is sensible. Unplug the item first, and do not open cases or test live equipment yourself.