There is some uncertainty around a holiday home owners responsibilities regarding Portable Appliance Testing or PAT testing so we have compiled some key facts around the issue with the consultation of two of our many clients within the Cornish holiday accommodation industry.

What are the obligations of the owner?

Broadly speaking to ensure the property is safe for occupation.  This covers a wide spectrum, but in the case of electrical appliances, it is to ensure they are in a safe, working order.

The safety of holiday let guests is protected under a number of pieces legislation introduced over the past 40 years, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Act 1994, which define the property owner as the supplier and outlines their obligations with regards to the safety of the guest.



Is a PAT test a legal requirement in a holiday home?

No. However,the law states that is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the appliances are safe to use. Conducting an annual PAT test is the recognised way to ensure this.

What else should I be doing?

Conduct a visual check on appliances frequently between changeovers, for:

  • Appliances work correctly.
  • Electrical cords are not frayed.
  • Plugs have not been damaged – the cord is secure and they are not chipped or cracked.
  • An annual PAT test to ensure all equipment is safe. 
  • If they holiday home is privately used - i.e. not let out - but used by friends and family, you still need to ensure all appliances are in safe, working order.

    PAT Testing for Landlords

    Any landlord who lets residential accommodation which includes flats, apartments, houses, holiday homes, boats and caravans as a business activity is required by law to ensure the electrical appliances they supply as part of the tenancy are  safe to use.

    Portable appliance testing is widely regarded as being the best way of complying with this obligation. Without a programme of planned appliance testing and maintenance, you could be legally liable for damages resulting from your untested appliances. This covers all portable appliances that you supply, including fridges and freezers, microwave ovens (additional testing for leakage is required), televisions and vacuum cleaners etc.

Tel 07707 033 448