Portable Appliance Testing explained for landlords and HMOs — what to test, how often, and where the legal duty comes from.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) confirms that appliances provided by a landlord or business are safe to use. HMOs carry stricter expectations because of higher occupancy and shared use.
What Must Be Tested
- Kettles
- Toasters
- Microwaves
- Heaters
- White goods
- Any portable electrical item
Testing Frequency
- HMOs: annually
- Serviced accommodation: every 6–12 months
Legal Context
PAT is not explicitly mandated by a single statute, but landlords have a duty to ensure appliances they supply are safe. PAT is the recognised method of demonstrating that duty has been met.