Landlords often ask what type of maintenance and safety checks are required of them. Especially when it comes to the electrical goods 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.
