PAT Testing in London: What Landlords and Businesses Need to Know

PAT testing, short for portable appliance testing, is one of the most misunderstood electrical checks in London. Some landlords think it is a legal must every year, others think they never need it. The truth sits in between, and it depends on who supplies the appliances and what the business does.

What PAT testing covers

A PAT test is a visual inspection and electrical test of appliances that plug in: kettles, toasters, microwaves, washing machines, fridges, lamps, extension leads, computers and power tools. Each item gets a pass or fail label and goes on a dated record. It does not cover the fixed wiring in the walls, which is what an EICR checks.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

There is no law that says every appliance must be PAT tested on a fixed schedule. What the law does say is that landlords and employers must keep electrical equipment they provide in a safe condition. PAT testing is the most common and easiest way to prove that.

• Landlords: if you supply appliances in a let, you are responsible for their safety. HMO licence conditions and many letting agents ask for a PAT record.
• Businesses: the Electricity at Work Regulations require equipment to be maintained so it is safe. Offices, shops, salons, cafés and workshops usually test on a regular cycle.
• Tenants' own appliances: these are the tenant's responsibility, not the landlord's.

How often to test

Frequency depends on how the equipment is used and how likely it is to be damaged. As a rough guide:

• Power tools on building sites: often every three months.
• Equipment in shops, cafés and hotels: often every year.
• Office IT equipment: often every two to four years, with regular visual checks in between.
• Landlord-supplied appliances: at the start of each tenancy is a sensible minimum, and many landlords test every year in HMOs.

What happens on the day

Each appliance is unplugged briefly, inspected for damage to the plug, lead and casing, then tested for earth continuity and insulation where relevant. Most homes take under an hour; small offices and shops a few hours. You receive a list of every item tested with its result.

PAT testing and EICRs together

Landlords often book both on the same visit: the EICR covers the fixed wiring and is required at least every five years, and the PAT test covers the appliances you supply. One visit, two certificates, and a complete safety file for the property.

Book PAT testing in London

Energy North Ltd is a registered electrical contractor working across North, East and West London since 2017. We carry out PAT testing for landlords, offices and shops, and can add an EICR at the same visit. Thinking about a home charge point too? See EV charger installation.

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