Estate and letting agents may manage large numbers of properties containing landlord-supplied electrical appliances. A consistent approach to electrical equipment maintenance can make portfolio management safer and easier to document.

Which appliances should be considered?

Typical items include kettles, microwaves, lamps, televisions, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, fridges and extension leads supplied with a property.

Is PAT testing required every year?

There is no universal UK rule requiring every portable appliance to be PAT tested annually. Inspection and testing should reflect risk, equipment type, use, environment and any specific duties applying to the property.

Managing multiple properties

Using consistent asset records can help agents identify tested equipment, failures and maintenance history across a portfolio. Visual checks between tenancies can also identify obvious damage.

Managing PAT Testing Across a Property Portfolio

For estate and letting agents, consistency is important. A useful programme should identify which appliances belong to each property, record inspection and test outcomes and make failed items easy to follow up. Where properties change tenants frequently, visual checks between tenancies can help identify damage before the next occupancy.

What Can Affect the Testing Schedule?

Equipment that is frequently moved, used in kitchens or exposed to heavier wear may justify more frequent attention than low-risk equipment that remains undisturbed. Previous failures and the condition found during inspections should also inform future intervals.

Preparing Properties for a Testing Visit

Providing property addresses, access arrangements and any existing appliance records in advance can make portfolio testing more efficient. Agents should also identify occupied properties and any equipment that cannot be isolated without prior agreement.

Property handovers and inventory changes

When tenants change, agents may gain an opportunity to check landlord-supplied appliances against the property inventory. Missing, replaced or visibly damaged equipment can then be identified before records become outdated.

Managing testing across a property portfolio

A consistent asset and reporting process makes it easier to manage multiple landlords and properties. Reports should allow the responsible party to identify the property, appliance and result clearly, particularly where failed items require repair or replacement.

Related guidance

See our Portable Appliance Testing service, PAT testing for property managers and landlord PAT testing service. Official guidance is available from the HSE.

Nationwide portfolio testing

National PAT Compliance can coordinate testing across individual properties and larger managed portfolios throughout the UK. Contact us to discuss your requirements.