As a landlord, one of your top priorities is keeping tenants safe. Electrical safety is a big part of that responsibility—and while many landlords understand the need for fixed wiring checks (EICR), there’s often confusion around PAT testing.

So, do landlords need to carry out PAT testing? What are the rules, and how often should it be done? Let’s break it down.

What is PAT Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of checking electrical appliances to make sure they’re safe to use. It involves two parts:

Visual inspection – looking for obvious signs of wear, damage, or loose connections.
Electrical testing – using specialist equipment to check for faults that aren’t visible to the eye.

Appliances are then labelled with a pass/fail sticker, and results are recorded in a report or certificate.

Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement for Landlords?

There’s no single law that says landlords must do PAT testing. However, landlords are legally required to ensure electrical equipment they provide is safe. This responsibility comes from:

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – landlords must keep electrical systems and appliances in safe working order.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 – equipment supplied must be safe when first provided.
The Housing Act 2004 – under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, unsafe electrics are a serious hazard.

PAT testing is one of the simplest, most recognised ways of proving compliance with these laws.

Which Appliances Need Testing?

As a landlord, you’re responsible for any portable electrical appliance you supply in a rental property. This typically includes:

Kettles, toasters, and microwaves
Fridges and freezers
Washing machines and tumble dryers
Lamps and heaters
Televisions
Extension leads and multiway adaptors

Tip: Tenants’ own appliances are their responsibility, not yours.

How Often Should Landlords Carry Out PAT Testing?

The law doesn’t specify exact timeframes—it depends on risk. However, common best practice is:

Every 12 months for appliances in rental properties (especially kitchens, where equipment is used daily).
At the start of each new tenancy, so incoming tenants know the appliances they’re using are safe.

What Happens if Appliances Fail?

If an appliance fails PAT testing:

You’ll need to repair or replace it before it’s safe to use.
Appliances that are unsafe should be removed from the property immediately.
A failed result will be recorded in your report, which helps you show you acted responsibly.

Why PAT Testing is Worth It for Landlords

✅ Tenant Safety – reduces risk of electrical shocks and fires.
✅ Legal Protection – shows you’ve taken reasonable steps to meet your obligations.
✅ Insurance Compliance – many insurers expect PAT testing as part of property management.
✅ Peace of Mind – helps avoid disputes if anything goes wrong.

Final Thoughts

While PAT testing may not be an absolute legal requirement, it’s the most reliable way for landlords to demonstrate that electrical appliances in their properties are safe. For the cost of a simple annual test, you protect your tenants, safeguard your property, and cover yourself legally.

👉 If you’re a landlord and haven’t had your appliances tested recently, now’s the time to book your next PAT test.