PAT testing (portable appliances) for Northern Ireland landlords
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) checks the safety of plug-in electrical appliances you supply with a let property, such as kettles, lamps and white goods. It is good practice rather than a fixed statutory requirement.
Good practice (tracked annually)
All four UK nations
Good practice
Why it matters
You have a general duty to make sure electrical appliances you supply are safe. PAT testing, alongside visual checks, is the common way to evidence that.
How to stay compliant
Track pat testing the easy way
MTD Landlord Services keeps your Northern Ireland certificates and tenant checks in one place, with automatic email reminders before anything expires, so nothing slips through. It is built for Northern Ireland landlords alongside your Making Tax Digital records.
Get StartedFrequently asked questions
Is PAT testing a legal requirement?
There is no fixed statutory interval, but you must ensure appliances you supply are safe; PAT testing is the usual way to show this.
Does it cover the property’s wiring?
No, fixed wiring is covered by the EICR. PAT testing covers plug-in appliances.
Legal basis: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 reg 4(2); Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (no fixed interval; good practice)
This is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Rules change and can vary by case, so always confirm current requirements with official guidance for your nation.