PAT Testing for Holiday Lets & Rental Properties

Overview

PAT testing - Portable Appliance Testing - is the process of inspecting and electrically testing plugged-in appliances to confirm they're safe to use. Despite the name, there's no single legally defined 'PAT test': what the law actually requires is that landlords, employers, and anyone responsible for a property used by others ensures that electrical equipment is safe. A proper PAT test, carried out by someone who knows what they're looking for, is the most practical way to demonstrate that. In a holiday let or rental property, that means everything a guest or tenant might use - kettles, toasters, lamps, TVs, hairdryers, and anything else with a plug.

What's involved

Visual inspection

Before any electrical testing, every appliance gets a close visual check: the cable for damage or wear, the plug for correct fuse rating and secure terminations, and the appliance body for cracks, scorch marks, or anything that indicates a problem. Many of the most significant defects - damaged flex, non-sleeved pins, incorrect fuses - are visible to the eye before a tester is even switched on.

Electrical testing

I use a calibrated PAT tester to run earth continuity and insulation resistance checks on each applicable appliance. The results are recorded against the appliance and cross-referenced with the relevant pass/fail thresholds for the appliance class.

Labelling and written report

Every appliance that passes gets a dated label. Every appliance that fails is clearly marked as unsafe and documented in the written report, along with the nature of the failure. Where a failed item can be repaired on the spot - a plug swap, a flex replacement - I'll do that and retest it rather than leaving it labelled as failed.

Typical Costs

I charge by the job, not by the hour. For most holiday lets the price is agreed once I know roughly how many appliances are involved - no surprises when I'm done.

What affects the price

Number of appliances to be tested
Whether any failed items need repair (plug swaps, flex replacement)
Travel distance to the property

Example costs

Small holiday let (up to 15 appliances): £60–£80
Larger property (15–40 appliances): £80–£140
Commercial premises - price on request: POA

Common Questions

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes, quotes are free with no obligation. Call or WhatsApp and we can discuss the job - for anything straightforward I can usually give a price over the phone, and for larger jobs I'll arrange a site visit.

What is PAT testing and do I legally need it?

PAT testing - Portable Appliance Testing - is the inspection and electrical testing of portable appliances to check they're safe to use. There's no legal requirement for a specific testing interval in the UK, but landlords, employers, and holiday let owners have a duty under health and safety legislation to ensure electrical appliances are maintained in a safe condition. For holiday lets in particular, it's strongly recommended and many insurance policies require evidence of regular testing.

What area do you cover?

I cover Penzance, St Ives, Hayle, Marazion, Newlyn, St Just, Camborne, and the wider Penwith peninsula. If you're unsure whether you're in range, just call and ask - I'm happy to travel for the right job.

How often does PAT testing need to be done?

There's no single legally required interval - it depends on the type of property and how frequently appliances are used. For holiday lets, annual PAT testing is common and often expected by insurers. For domestic rental properties, testing every one to two years is typical. I'll advise on what's appropriate for your situation when I quote.

Are you NAPIT registered?

Yes, I'm NAPIT registered - member number 66376. You can verify this on the NAPIT website by searching for Cornovii Electrical. NAPIT registration means I'm assessed annually against industry standards and can self-certify notifiable electrical work, including consumer unit upgrades and new circuits.

What happens if an appliance fails?

Failed appliances are labelled and should be taken out of service immediately - they shouldn't be used until repaired or replaced. I provide a full report listing every item tested, whether it passed or failed, and the reason for any failures. Borderline items are flagged so you can make an informed decision. I don't carry out appliance repairs as part of PAT testing, but I can advise on whether an item is worth repairing.

Are you VAT registered?

Not currently, which means there's no VAT to add on top of my prices. This may change in the future, but any change would be communicated clearly before work is quoted or carried out.

What does PAT testing cover?

I test all portable and moveable electrical appliances - things that plug into sockets. This includes kettles, toasters, lamps, TVs, washing machines, dishwashers, and so on. Fixed installations such as the consumer unit, wiring, and sockets are not part of PAT testing - those are covered by an EICR. I record the make, model, and result for each appliance and provide a signed certificate on completion.

Ready to get a quote?

Call or WhatsApp Ryan for a free, no-obligation quote. Usually responds same day.

Call 07453 367488WhatsApp Ryan

Recent jobs

pat-testinghayle
PAT Testing at Hayle Towans Holiday Let
The owner of a holiday let at Hayle Towans needed a full PAT test of all portable appliances in the property - for insurance purposes and to satisfy their letting agency's compliance requirements before the season.