PAT TESTING FOR LANDLORDS

Any landlord who lets residential accommodation which includes flats, apartments and houses as a business activity is required by law to ensure the electrical items they supply as part of the tenancy are regularly tested and safe.

This is detailed in the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations Act 1994 that states that any electrical equipment supplied with the accommodation and connected to the mains must be safe.

Insurance companies assume that you meet the above criteria and in the event of a claim involving fire, injury or death could delay payment, reduce payment or even refuse to settle a claim involving an unsafe appliance which has not been tested. 

In the event of an injury or death landlords could be prosecuted and fined up to £20000 in a Sheriff Court.  Should indictment in a High Court follow, there could be an unlimited fine and/or up to two years imprisonment for failing to comply with the above Act and the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2009.

It is the landlord's responsibility to prove compliance

Examples of the appliances which should be tested include hobs, washing machines, refrigerators, lamps, microwaves, toasters, hair driers, heaters, kettles, televisions and hi-fi equipment.

Landlords therefore need to regularly test and maintain all electrical appliances as they may become unsafe over time.

From a tenant's perspective it is essential that a property is checked prior to moving in to ensure that all appliances supplied are in a safe working order.  Records should be made available detailing the appliancs supplied as part of the tenancy agreement.  These records should include who did the testing and when it was done.

It is strongly advised to have the PAT testing of equipment carried out annually or prior to a new long term let.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information or advice or if you should have any questions.

Telephone:  01599 511367

Mobile:  07597 212673

CONTACT US TODAY TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR TENANTS