.svg)
Is Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) a legal requirement for private landlords in Scotland?
Scottish landlords must arrange electrical safety checks, including PAT testing for appliances they provide. Learn what’s covered and which records to keep.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement for private landlords in Scotland?
Yes. Private landlords in Scotland must arrange an electrical safety inspection that includes an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for the fixed electrical installation and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for relevant appliances they provide.
The inspection must be carried out by a suitably competent person before the property is first let, and then at intervals of no more than five years. It does not have to be repeated immediately before every new tenancy if the existing inspection is still in date.
Which appliances does the PAT report cover?
The PAT report covers electrical appliances provided by the landlord that are not already covered by the EICR. These can include:
- Kettles and toasters
- Lamps and portable heaters
- Vacuum cleaners
- TVs and other electrical equipment
- Fridges, washing machines and other white goods
Some fixed electrical equipment is covered by the EICR. The inspection should account for landlord-provided equipment that is not covered by it. The person carrying out the inspection can confirm which items belong in each report.
The landlord’s PAT duty does not extend to appliances that belong to the tenant. If you provide an appliance as part of the let, it is your responsibility to make sure it is safe and properly maintained.
Does every appliance need to be tested every five years?
No. The five-year limit applies to the overall electrical safety inspection. It does not automatically mean that every appliance can wait five years before being checked again.
The person carrying out the PAT inspection will set a retest date for each appliance. Some may need to be checked sooner, depending on their condition, how they are used and where they are used. Follow the retest advice given and keep track of the dates.
What records should landlords keep?
Keep copies of the EICR and PAT report. The records should include an equipment register and the results of formal visual inspections and combined inspection and tests.
The PAT report should identify the appliances inspected, the outcome of the checks and any follow-up work needed. Tested appliances should be labelled with the inspection date and when the next test is due. Tenants should receive copies of the required reports before or at the start of the tenancy.
What happens if an appliance fails?
If an appliance fails, it should not be left for the tenant to use. Arrange for it to be repaired or replaced, and keep a record of the action taken.
A PAT report does not replace an EICR. The EICR covers the fixed electrical installation and relevant fixed equipment, while the PAT report covers the landlord’s other electrical appliances.
What about short-term lets?
This article covers private residential tenancies. Short-term lets have a separate licensing regime, with national electrical safety conditions that include an EICR for fixed installations and a PAT report for movable appliances guests can access. Licensing authorities can also attach additional conditions, so hosts should check the rules set by their own council.
Arrange landlord PAT testing in Fife, Dundee or Edinburgh
Based in Fife, Certworks provides PAT testing for landlords across Fife, Dundee and Edinburgh. If your property is elsewhere in Central Scotland, get in touch, and we’ll confirm whether we can help.
If you’re unsure which appliances should be included or when they are due for testing, contact us to discuss the property and its existing reports.