PAT Testing for Holiday Lets

PAT Testing for Holiday Lets

With an influx of travellers turning to Airbnb and other sites for private holiday lets and ‘staycations’, as an owner you may be wondering what your legal requirements are regarding electrical appliances in your property.

Did you know that since the start of the pandemic, more than 11,000 second homeowners in England have flipped their properties to become holiday lets?

If you have recently turned your property into a holiday let, then it is vital that you understand your responsibilities and legal requirements.

 

Does my holiday let need PAT testing?  

It is not a legal requirement to PAT test your property, however, you are LEGALLY required to ensure that all electrical appliances in your holiday let are SAFE. The easiest and most effective way to ensure they are safe is to have a PAT test.  

Thanks to PAT, you’ll know exactly what electrical equipment needs replacing, and when. Safety should ALWAYS be a priority for your guests. 

Tip: Conduct a regular visual inspection of your appliances, checking for warning signs like damaged cables, scorch marks, flickering lights, and hot plugs. Always consult an electrician if you are unsure or notice any of these warning signs.

What needs to be PAT tested in a Holiday Let?  

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing which means that all equipment that is not part of a fixed installation but is meant to be connected to a fixed installation needs PAT testing.  

Any appliance that uses a flexible cable or plug and socket qualifies as a portable appliance. In other words, if you have an appliance that has a plug that is intended to be connected to a wall socket, it will need to be PAT tested.

Some examples of portable appliances are as follows:   

  • Fridges  
  • Phone Charges
  • Dishwashers, Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, etc.
  • Freezers
  • Lamps
  • TV’s
  • Kettles
  • Toasters

If you have a FIXED appliance that is plugged into a plug point and runs off the mains electricity, it also needs PAT testing. An example could be a heated towel rack in a bathroom. 

How regularly should I have my electrical appliances PAT Tested? 

Most hosts like to have everything tested once a year. We recommend this also. 

Having your appliances tested once a year by someone electrically trained and competent is easy to remember and gives peace of mind to you and your guests knowing that all electrics in the property are safe to use and YOU cannot be held accountable.   

Airbnb host? Check out our hosting checklist where we discuss the best ways to keep your property safe.   

Can I do a PAT test myself? 

Yes, you can PAT test your own electrical equipment; if you are a competent person with the relevant training, knowledge, equipment, and time. 

To be deemed as a competent PAT tester, the minimum requirement is to have;  

  • A City & Guilds 2377-77 qualification.  
  • The correct equipment to carry out the tests. 
  • The ability to use the PAT testing equipment properly.  
  • The ability to properly understand the test results.

All of NSI’s electricians are competent and offer the most efficient and professional service. Just check out our  900+ 5-star reviews! 

 

Do I need a PAT test if I have an EICR? 

An Electrical Installation Report (EICR) is a legal requirement and is an extensive report carried out to ensure the condition of electrical equipment and installations.  

EICR’s are mandatory every 5 years for private rentals, but many electrical issues can arise in between EICR tests which can only be discovered by a PAT test.  

PAT test by a qualified electrician is highly recommended every year to ensure electrical equipment is safe and ensure the safety of your tenants.   

 

How much does a PAT test cost?

We offer PAT testing for residential properties from just £60.   

As a landlord, you want to make sure your property is safe and has the necessary certification. We offer a SAFE Certified package, which combines three amazing services (including PAT Testing) in just one appointment, with savings of over £100 per property, to find out more click here.  

If you would like to book an engineer for Portable Appliance Testing, please click the button below.