What it is
Landlords must make sure appliances they provide are safe. Testing them — especially between tenancies — is a straightforward way to evidence that. It's commonly booked alongside the EICR to save a visit, and some HMO licences ask for it. We only test appliances you supply, not tenants' own items.
What's included
- Testing of landlord-supplied appliances
- Labels and report
Not included
- Tenants' own appliances
- Repairs
Who needs it
- Landlords supplying appliances
- HMO and student accommodation providers
What you'll receive
PAT report and appliance list.
How often
Commonly at each change of tenancy, or as your licence requires.
What the rules say
Each point is labelled so you can tell what's law, what's a British Standard, and what's good practice or comes from your lease, licence or insurer.
- Recommended practiceEngland
No PAT duty for private landlords in England
The rented-sector regulations cover the fixed installation, not portable appliances, for private landlords. Testing appliances you supply is still a sensible way to show they're safe. Tenants are responsible for their own appliances.
- Legal requirementEngland
Social landlords: equipment checks every five years
Since the 2025 amendment, social landlords must have electrical equipment they supply checked by a qualified person at least every five years and before a tenancy starts, and fix or replace unsafe items within 28 days. For tenancies granted before 1 December 2025, the first check is due before 1 November 2026.
Sources: 2025 amendment (opens external site): Electrical Safety Standards (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/1043); 2020 Regulations (opens external site): Electrical Safety Standards in the Private and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/312, as amended); GOV.UK guidance (opens external site): Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance (published 1 November 2025)
- Lease, licence or insurerNottingham
Nottingham HMO licences ask for appliance records
HMO licence applications in Nottingham ask for a PAT certificate, and licence conditions require 12 months of appliance test records on request.
Sources: NCC HMO handbook (opens external site): HMO licensing handbook (April 2025); NCC licence conditions (opens external site): Licence conditions for houses in multiple occupation (June 2024)
- Legal requirementScotland
Scotland is different
In Scotland, landlords must have PAT carried out on appliances they supply, alongside a five-yearly EICR.
Before your appointment
- Make appliances available, including ones in storage, and tell staff that equipment will be unplugged briefly.
- Have your previous asset register if you have one, so we can keep the same IDs.
If something's found
- Failed items are labelled and listed with the reason. Many are simple fixes like a new plug or fuse, which we can do on the day if you agree.
- Items that are unsafe and can't be repaired should be taken out of use.
- You receive a register of every item, its result and when we suggest it's next checked.
What affects the price
- Number of items
- Type of equipment (110 V site tools, IT, kitchen appliances)
- Where items are spread across the site
- Out-of-hours visits
Read more
- HMO electrical and fire safety in Nottingham: what the council asks for
The national rules for HMOs, Nottingham's HMO licensing documents and conditions, and how to keep the records straight.
- Is PAT testing a legal requirement? And how often is it needed?
What the law actually says, why 'annual PAT' is a myth, and how to set sensible intervals.
- Social landlords: electrical safety checks due before 1 November 2026
What the 2025 extension to social housing requires, the deadline for older tenancies, and the new equipment checks.