Why PAT matters for landlords
If you supply electrical appliances (kettle, microwave, lamps, vacuum, etc.), you are expected to keep them safe and be able to show you took reasonable steps. That is separate from the EICR on your fixed wiring, but equally easy to forget across a portfolio.
Why landlords focus on PAT:
Tracking “last PAT” and “next due” per property stops PAT living in a separate spreadsheet from Gas Safety and EICR. LetCompliance is compliance software for exactly that pattern: we do not send PAT engineers — book a local competent person for the visit, then log the date and optional next due in Safety & PAT so it sits with your other deadlines.
Not legal advice. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ on detail; check your insurer and tenancy terms.
PAT vs EICR, do not confuse them
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:
Document what you test, who did it, and when.
What appliances should landlords PAT test?
Typical furnished or part-furnished stock includes:
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.
Track PAT next-due dates with Gas Safety and EICR
Treat PAT like any other repeating landlord duty: one row per supplied appliance (or a single “kitchen PAT bundle” note if you prefer), last test date, optional next due, and “Log PAT date today” after your contractor leaves. You see EICR, Gas Safety, smoke/CO, and PAT-style entries in the same property view so nothing slips because it lived in a different tab.
Reminder: we are software only — you still book your PAT contractor or electrician; we help with follow-up and audit trail.
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Related: Smoke and CO alarms in England, EICR cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why should landlords track PAT testing for supplied appliances?
You have a duty to keep electrical equipment you supply in a safe condition. PAT-style checks by a competent person, on a risk-based schedule, are a recognised way to show due diligence. Tracking last test and next due dates per property (alongside EICR and Gas Safety) stops retests being missed and gives you a clear audit trail if an insurer or tenant asks.
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.
Does LetCompliance carry out PAT testing or send PAT engineers?
No. LetCompliance is landlord compliance software for dates, reminders, and records. Book a competent local electrician or PAT contractor for the visit; use the app to log test dates and optional next due reminders.