What is PAT Testing?
PAT testing is short for Portable Appliance Testing. It is an essential feature in a letting agent’s regimen of electrical safety testing. PAT testing involves the visual inspection and testing of the electrical appliances provided within your Bristol rental property. PAT testing helps you to identify any faulty or damaged appliances, allowing you to remove or replace them before they cause any harm.
What items will be PAT tested?
As the name suggests, PAT testing covers any portable appliance, or item that is plugged in to a socket, that you provide your Bristol tenants. Each of these items should be regularly tested. This includes large appliances such as fridge freezers and washing machines, as well as smaller appliances such as kettles and microwaves. It also covers items such as extension leads if you provide them.
Why PAT testing is important for letting agents Bristol
As a letting agent in Bristol, you are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a landlord’s property. This includes arranging for regular electrical testing to maintain the safety of your tenants.
The benefits of PAT testing include:
- Compliance with regulations – Regular PAT testing ensures that you can demonstrate compliance with electrical safety regulations and commitment to keeping the tenants in your managed property safe.
- Keeping tenants electrically safe – PAT testing will help you identify any damaged appliances that could cause an electrical shock or fire.
- Keeps your property well maintained – It’s no secret that well maintained properties with responsive landlords or letting agents attract better tenants, and often higher rents. PAT testing demonstrates you take your role seriously.
- Legal protection – PAT testing helps you meet your duty of care to ensure the property you manage is safe for your tenants.
Is PAT testing a legal requirement for letting agents in Bristol?
Whilst PAT testing is not mandatory for rental properties in England unless they are HMO’s, It it is highly recommended. It it is one of the best way to demonstrate electrical safety compliance and your commitment to tenant safety. In practice it is very rare to come across a letting agent that does not carry out PAT testing at the Bristol properties that they manage.
Most letting agents will arrange PAT testing at every change of tenancy and then at regular intervals after that.
Fairway Electrical – PAT testing in Bristol
If you are a letting agent in Bristol looking to arrange PAT testing at your managed properties, Fairway Electrical are here to assist. Fully qualified, NAPIT registered and highly experienced in the provision of electrical services to landlords and letting agents, we are the local electrician in Bristol you can rely upon.
Get in touch with me today to discuss your PAT testing needs.
