If you have a property you rent out through Airbnb you need to be doing the same checks as any landlord, this means; inspecting & maintaining electrical equipment in the premises:
The standardised way of doing this is to carry out PAT Testing. Always check your insurance policy for any specific expectations your insurer might have in addition to your legal responsibilities.
Any competent person can do PAT Testing! You don’t need any formal qualification you just need to know exactly what’s involved. We run a completely free PAT Testing course to show you what you need to do. Simply go to www.onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk.
Landlords often ask what type of maintenance and safety checks are required of them. Especially when it comes to the electrical equipment they supply in their rental properties. Firstly it makes no difference if your residential letting is a house, flat, bedsit, holiday home, caravan or boat. You have a duty as a landlord to ensure all the equipment supplied in the property is safe. Secondly, the product this relates to according to the EQR (electrical equipment regulations) of 1994 is anything that requires a mains supply. This is regardless of whether it’s NEW or second hand. Just to be crystal clear here we are talking about; cookers, washing machines, kettles & toasters etc.
Landlords must carry out PAT testing before tenants or users move into the property. The health and safety executive offers no absolute rule on the frequency of PAT testing. But it does state they need to be carried out on a regular basis by the landlord. They’ve specifically used the term ‘regular’ because each situation requires different measures to meet the requirement that danger is prevented. Basically, a risk-based approach should be used in each items case. You should remember that anything that can be moved should be tested more frequently. (Irons, Kettles and Vacuum cleaners for example).
You as the landlord should carry out a Visual test to check for any damage to the product. You should look out for damage to cables, broken switches and scorch marks. For your records, you need to note who carried out these tests and when they did them.
It’s impossible to identify all electrical problems and potential hazards from a visual check. For that reason, it is recommended for everyone’s security that you PAT test these products as well. You do not need to pay someone to PAT test for you. However, someone should PAT test the appliances. You would not want to take the risk of putting your tenants and property at risk from a minor fault? Minor faults can often be easily corrected saving you money and stress.
You will need a Pass / Fail PAT Tester like the one shown in the free course. You can view the range of kits available here: https://www.parker-bell.co.uk/shop/ You can save £25 by doing the free online course www,onlinepattestingcourse.co.uk.
If you would like free advice regarding PAT Testing, please don’t hesitate to call Dale on 01392 364933. When you call have the PAT Tester and the appliance you are PAT Testing in front of you, and we can take you through the test step by step. It’s helpful if you know the Class of the appliance before you call.