PAT Testing Intervals

PAT Testing Intervals

PAT testing intervals in the Code of Practise of the 5th edition states “There is no specified timescales in law, or in the CoP of inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Formally PAT testing.

The Housing Act (Scotland) 2006, 2014

With regards to private rentals in the Act a Landlord in a tenancy must ensure that the rented property meets the “repairing standard ” at

• The start of the tenancy
• All times during the tenancy , where the the landlord is made aware of possible defects

Types of rentals

Listed below is the types of rentals and the requirement of PAT testing intervals.

Short Term Lets

The City of Edinburgh Council requires an annual Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certificate. For more information click here for CEC website requirements.

Houses of Multiple Occupation

The City of Edinburgh Council requires an annual Portable Appliance Test (PAT) certificate. For more information click here for CEC website requirements.

General Rental Properties

In this case the landlord can risk assess the PAT Testing interval. So, with long term tenants where the property is in good condition the landlord could schedule the testing for every 18 to 24 months. However if there is a steady turnover of tenants then it may be prudent to test annually

Good Practise

It is good practise to register any electrical equipment with the manufacturer in case of any safety recalls. So, it helps if the landlord stores in a folder the equipment make, model & serial number in case of any recalls. You can also check the electrical safety first website for any equipment that has been recalled.