Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Professional electrical appliance safety testing for landlords across all Edinburgh districts
Portable Appliance Testing Service
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an essential safety procedure for landlords who provide furnished properties. It involves checking electrical appliances to ensure they are safe for tenant use and reduces the risk of electrical accidents, fires, and injuries.
At TotalTenantCare, our certified technicians provide thorough PAT testing for all electrical appliances in your rental properties across Edinburgh. We help you fulfill your duty of care to tenants and comply with electrical safety regulations.
What's Included in Our PAT Testing Service
- Visual inspection of all electrical appliances
- Electrical testing of appliance components
- Earth continuity testing where applicable
- Insulation resistance testing
- Lead polarity testing
- Functional testing to ensure proper operation
- Labeling of all tested appliances with pass/fail status
- Comprehensive PAT testing certificate with detailed inventory
Legal Requirements for Landlords
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Landlord Obligations
While PAT testing is not explicitly mandated by law for all landlords, several regulations create a strong legal framework that makes it highly advisable:
- •The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that all electrical systems are maintained to prevent danger
- •The Housing Act 2004 (and Housing Health and Safety Rating System) identifies electrical hazards as a key risk
- •The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep electrical installations in repair and proper working order
- •The Consumer Protection Act 1987 requires that all electrical equipment supplied by landlords is safe
Why PAT Testing Is Important for Landlords
While PAT testing is not explicitly required by law for all rental properties, there are compelling reasons to have it done:
- •Demonstrates duty of care to tenants
- •Provides evidence of electrical safety in case of incidents
- •May be required by insurance policies
- •Reduces risk of electrical fires and accidents
- •Identifies potential issues before they become dangerous
PAT testing is particularly important for HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), where it is often explicitly required as part of licensing conditions.
Appliances We Test
Our PAT testing service covers all portable electrical appliances in your rental property, including:
Kitchen Appliances
- •Refrigerators and freezers
- •Washing machines and dryers
- •Dishwashers
- •Microwaves
- •Kettles and toasters
- •Coffee machines
Living Area Appliances
- •Televisions
- •DVD/Blu-ray players
- •Gaming consoles
- •Table lamps and floor lamps
- •Vacuum cleaners
- •Electric heaters
Other Appliances
- •Electric fans
- •Hair dryers and straighteners
- •Extension leads
- •Power tools
- •Battery chargers
- •Any other portable electrical items
Each appliance is tested according to its specific requirements and receives a pass/fail label with date of testing.
Our PAT Testing Process
Book Your PAT Testing
Schedule your PAT testing service online or by phone. We'll confirm a convenient date and time for our technician to visit your property.
Visual Inspection
Our technician will first visually inspect each appliance for signs of damage, wear, or improper repairs to cables, plugs, and casings.
Electrical Testing
Using professional PAT testing equipment, we conduct a series of electrical tests specific to each type of appliance, checking earth continuity, insulation resistance, and lead polarity.
Functional Testing
We check that each appliance functions correctly when powered on, ensuring all controls and safety features work as intended.
Labeling & Documentation
Each appliance is labeled with a pass or fail sticker and recorded in our inventory. You'll receive a comprehensive PAT testing certificate listing all tested items and their status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should PAT testing be done?
The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of appliance and its usage. Generally, we recommend annual testing for most rental properties. High-risk items like kettles and vacuum cleaners may need more frequent testing, while low-risk items like lamps may need less frequent testing. We can advise on the appropriate testing schedule for your specific appliances.
How much does PAT testing cost?
Our PAT testing prices start from £2.50 per item, with minimum charges applying for small properties. We offer discounted rates for properties with large numbers of appliances and for landlords with multiple properties. Contact us for a precise quote based on your specific requirements.
What happens if an appliance fails the test?
If an appliance fails the PAT test, we'll clearly label it as failed and provide details of the issue in our report. For minor issues like damaged plugs, we can often make repairs on the spot for an additional fee. For more serious problems, we'll recommend whether the appliance should be professionally repaired or replaced and can provide quotes for replacement if needed.
Do tenant-owned appliances need to be tested?
Landlords are only responsible for testing appliances that they provide. Appliances owned and brought in by tenants are the tenant's responsibility. However, it's good practice to advise tenants about electrical safety and encourage them to have their own appliances checked regularly.
Ensure the safety of electrical appliances in your rental property
Our certified technicians provide professional PAT testing across all Edinburgh districts