In short
Portable appliance testing, commonly called PAT testing, combines appropriate inspection and electrical testing to help identify unsafe equipment. Landlords and businesses need to manage the safety of appliances they supply, but there is no universal legal requirement for an annual PAT test. Peachtree helps property teams organise a proportionate programme based on equipment, use and risk.
Safety duties rather than a fixed annual rule
Frequency: Risk-based intervals and applicable licence conditions
Relevant Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations set safety requirements for equipment supplied within their scope. Landlords also have wider duties to keep supplied appliances safe, while workplace duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 may apply to business equipment. PAT is one way to support safety management, not the name of a universal statutory certificate or compulsory annual procedure.
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 primarily concern fixed electrical installations. Associated government guidance recommends regular checks of landlord-provided appliances; this is separate from the fixed-installation inspection requirement. HMO licence conditions often require appliance inspection or testing records, so check the actual conditions issued by the council rather than assuming every tenancy follows the same schedule.
The IET Code of Practice provides guidance on in-service inspection and testing, with intervals informed by risk. Equipment type, environment, handling, user checks and previous defects all matter. Check current HSE and GOV.UK guidance and applicable local licensing conditions when deciding your programme; a label alone does not demonstrate continuing safety.
What should be on the equipment register?
Start with appliances supplied or controlled by the landlord or business, including kettles, microwaves, vacuum cleaners and relevant office equipment. Extension leads and detachable power leads can also need attention. Agree how accessible larger appliances will be handled, since moving heavy equipment or testing particular appliances may require separate arrangements. Residents' own items are not automatically part of a landlord's testing instruction.
A useful register links each result to an identifiable item and location. Record replacements and removals so a passed item is not confused with a different appliance later. New equipment from a reputable supplier does not normally need formal PAT before first use, but it should be checked visually for damage, suitability and any concerns arising during delivery or installation.
Set intervals that reflect real use
An appliance moved daily in a shared kitchen may face different risks from equipment sitting undisturbed in an office. Damaged cables, cracked plugs, overheating, inappropriate adapters and liquid exposure all deserve attention. Previous failures and frequent changes of occupant can justify closer monitoring, while low-risk equipment may warrant longer formal testing intervals where the assessment supports that decision.
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if a fault is reported. Remove suspect equipment from use safely and arrange competent assessment or replacement. Peachtree can coordinate authorised replacements and monthly consolidated invoicing for agents. Keep the equipment register alongside maintenance records so staff can see what failed, what was withdrawn and when corrective work was completed.
How it works
- 01
Agree the inventory
We confirm property use, appliance ownership, licence conditions and access, then define which equipment is included and any handling restrictions.
- 02
Inspect and test
Accessible items receive appropriate visual checks and tests, with equipment identifiers, results and access limitations recorded against the agreed scope.
- 03
Explain failures
We flag unsafe or suspect items and explain recommended next steps, including withdrawal from use, competent repair or replacement where needed.
- 04
Plan the next review
Use the findings, equipment history and property risks to set future checks, keeping any relevant licence conditions and manufacturer instructions in view.
Frequently asked questions
01Is annual PAT testing a legal requirement for landlords?
There is no general law requiring every landlord appliance to receive PAT annually. You still need to manage supplied equipment safely. HMO licence conditions or contractual requirements may specify testing arrangements, while the wider inspection programme should reflect risk and current guidance.
02Does an EICR include portable appliance testing?
Normally, no. An EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation within its agreed scope. Plug-in appliances need separate consideration, although observations about equipment may arise during a visit. Check the instruction and report rather than assuming an installation certificate covers every supplied appliance.
03Do brand-new appliances need a PAT test?
New equipment should be safe when supplied and does not normally need formal electrical testing before use. A visual check is still sensible, especially for transit damage, incorrect plugs or unsuitable equipment. Add the item to your register and decide future checks using the risk assessment.
04Must I test appliances owned by my tenants?
A landlord's routine programme normally focuses on equipment they supply or control. Tenant-owned appliances raise different responsibilities, particularly in shared or supported accommodation. Agree the scope, consider known hazards and check licence conditions rather than assuming you must test every personal item in the building.
05What should I do with an appliance that fails?
Do not keep using it simply because a replacement visit is pending. Prevent further use safely and arrange competent repair or replacement. Retain the failure record and evidence of the action taken. Appropriate checks after repair may be needed before the appliance returns to service.
06How long does a PAT pass remain valid?
A pass records the condition found at the time of inspection and testing; it is not a guarantee until a printed renewal date. Damage or misuse can occur immediately afterwards. User reporting, visual checks and a documented risk-based maintenance programme remain important between formal visits.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.