PAT Testing for Landlords: Portable Appliances, Law & Best Practice (UK)

Q: Is PAT testing a legal requirement for all UK landlords?

There is no single UK law that says “every landlord must PAT test every year.” The Electricity at Work Regulations require electrical systems and equipment to be maintained so they stay safe. Many landlords PAT test appliances they supply (kettles, microwaves, lamps) on a risk-based schedule — often 12 months — and keep records.

Q: Is PAT the same as an EICR?

No. PAT checks portable appliances and their plugs/leads. An EICR inspects the fixed electrical installation (wiring, consumer unit, circuits). ASTs in England need a valid EICR on a five-year cycle; PAT is separate good practice for supplied movable items.

Why landlords search for “PAT testing”

Common searches include PAT testing landlord UK, is PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords, portable appliance testing rental property, and electrical safety furnished let. This article explains how PAT fits next to the EICR, what “maintained so far as reasonably practicable” means in plain terms, and how to document what you supply to tenants.

Not legal advice. England, Scotland, Wales and NI can differ on tenancy and enforcement detail; confirm your insurer and letting terms too.

PAT vs EICR — do not confuse them

EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report): Inspects the fixed installation — wiring, consumer unit, circuits. Mandatory on a five-year cycle for private rented homes in England (with set transition dates already passed). See our EICR guide.

PAT (Portable Appliance Testing): Focuses on movable items the landlord supplies — kettles, toasters, microwaves, lamps, fans, vacuum cleaners, etc. — and typically includes visual inspection, earth continuity, and insulation tests with a pass/fail label or record.

PAT does not replace an EICR. Both can be part of a sensible safety strategy.

Is PAT legally required for every landlord?

There is no single statute that says “landlords must PAT test annually” in all cases. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 apply to employers and duty holders in a broad sense; HSE guidance emphasises risk assessment and maintenance of electrical equipment so it stays safe.

For private landlords, the practical position is:

If you supply appliances, you should assess risk and maintain them

PAT by a competent person is a recognised way to demonstrate due diligence

Many insurers and agents expect 12-month retest intervals for high-use items; low-risk items may be on longer cycles if your risk assessment supports it

Document what you test, who did it, and when.

What appliances should landlords PAT test?

Typical furnished or part-furnished stock includes:

Kitchen: kettle, microwave, toaster (if provided)

Living areas: lamps, TVs (portable leads), extension leads you own

Cleaning: vacuum if supplied

White goods: some items are fixed or hard-wired — those fall under installation safety and EICR / maintenance, not “portable PAT” in the everyday sense

Tenant-owned equipment is usually the tenant’s responsibility unless your agreement says otherwise.

Records, labels and tenancy handover

After testing, engineers often attach pass labels with dates. Keep a digital log (photos of labels, spreadsheet, or LetCompliance Safety & PAT) showing appliance description, location, test date, next due, and engineer details. On move-in, give tenants basic instructions (e.g. do not overload sockets) and ask them to report faults immediately.

If an appliance fails, remove it or repair before re-letting — do not leave a failed item in service.

How LetCompliance helps with PAT scheduling

Inside each property, LetCompliance offers Safety & PAT tracking: add a PAT row per appliance with last test and optional next due dates, plus “Log PAT date today” after an engineer visit. Use it alongside EICR and Gas Safety reminders so electrical safety is not split across three notebooks.

Start a free trial — LetCompliance →

Frequently asked questions

Is PAT testing a legal requirement for all UK landlords?

There is no single UK law that says “every landlord must PAT test every year.” The Electricity at Work Regulations require electrical systems and equipment to be maintained so they stay safe. Many landlords PAT test appliances they supply (kettles, microwaves, lamps) on a risk-based schedule — often 12 months — and keep records.

Is PAT the same as an EICR?

No. PAT checks portable appliances and their plugs/leads. An EICR inspects the fixed electrical installation (wiring, consumer unit, circuits). ASTs in England need a valid EICR on a five-year cycle; PAT is separate good practice for supplied movable items.