07576 584901Testmasterinfo@gmail.com 24/7 online enquiries About Services Areas ReviewsOur WorkSocialContact07576 584901Request a Free Quote Home/Blog/PAT testingPAT testing # PAT testing in an HMO: a practical guide for landlords By Test Master UK29 October 20263 min read Service illustration: pat testingA shared house can contain appliances supplied by the landlord, equipment belonging to tenants and items used by everyone. A useful PAT testing plan starts by separating those groups, not by putting an identical annual sticker on every plug. For HMO landlords in London, the aim is safe equipment, clear responsibilities and a record that matches the appliances actually in the property. ## Start with the equipment you supply Walk through the shared kitchen, utility areas and any furnished rooms. Record the fridge, washing machine, kettle, microwave, portable heaters and extension leads you provide. An inventory should say where each item is used and who owns it. Built-in equipment and fixed wiring may need a different inspection approach, so agree the scope with a competent person rather than assuming everything belongs in the same test. Tenant-owned equipment still matters to the property's overall safety. Explain how residents should report damage and what your rules say about unsuitable heaters or overloaded extension leads. Do not treat a landlord appliance register as proof that every item brought into the house has been inspected. ## Choose intervals from risk, not a slogan HSE guidance does not prescribe annual PAT testing for every appliance. Frequency depends on the equipment, its use, the environment and previous findings. A heavily used shared kettle with a frequently handled cable may need a different approach from a rarely moved appliance. Review the plan when equipment is damaged, replaced or repeatedly found defective. HMO licensing conditions can add property-specific requirements. Check the current conditions issued by the relevant London borough and agree how your maintenance records will demonstrate compliance. A general guide cannot replace that check. ## Keep PAT testing separate from EICR testing PAT testing concerns electrical equipment; EICR testing assesses the fixed electrical installation. One does not replace the other. Store the appliance register and electrical installation report together, but give each its own action list and review date. A satisfactory wiring report does not make a damaged appliance safe. Arrange PAT testing for HMO appliances with an agreed inventory, and use residential EICR testing for the property's fixed installation. ## Before the visit Give tenants notice, make appliances accessible and identify any equipment that cannot be interrupted without planning. Ask how failed items will be recorded and removed from use. Once the report arrives, reconcile it with the inventory and replace or repair unsafe equipment before it returns to service. - List landlord-supplied equipment and locations. - Check your borough's HMO licence conditions. - Agree access to occupied rooms. - Record the action taken on every failed item. ## Sources and further reading - HSE: Portable appliance testing FAQs - HSE: Maintaining portable electrical equipment - GOV.UK: Houses in multiple occupation - GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards in rented homesGeneral guidance for premises in England, checked on 5 November 2026. Requirements depend on your property, systems and applicable conditions. Follow competent advice, current official guidance and your local authority's requirements. ## In this guide - Start with the equipment you supply - Choose intervals from risk, not a slogan - Keep PAT testing separate from EICR testing - Before the visit ## Need testing for your premises? Greenford-based electrical and fire safety services across London. Get a free quote 07576 584901 ## Related guides All guides PAT testing · 2 min read ## How often should PAT testing be done? A risk-based guide Plan PAT testing frequency using equipment type, working conditions and previous results, rather than assuming one annual interval fits everything. 26 October 2026 Property management · 2 min read ## HMO safety records: organising electrical and fire compliance evidence Build a practical HMO property file with EICR testing reports, appliance records, fire safety maintenance, licence conditions and action evidence. 15 September 2026 Electrical and fire safety compliance testing for businesses, property managers and landlords across London and Greenford. Read our Google reviewsLeave us a review ## Services - PAT Testing - Commercial EICR Testing - Residential EICR Testing - Emergency Lighting Testing - Fire Alarm Testing - Fire Extinguisher Servicing - Fire Door Inspection - Fire Risk Assessments - Remedial Works for Fire Compliance ## Service Areas - Greenford - Central London - All London Boroughs - West London - North London - South London - East London - Ealing - Uxbridge - Slough - Watford ## Contact - 07576 584901 - Testmasterinfo@gmail.com - Postal address669 Greenford Road, UB6 8QL - LinkedInOpening hours: 24/7 online enquiries © 2026 Test Master Ltd. All rights reserved. HomeAboutReviewsOur WorkContactPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie Policy Call NowFree Quote Chat on WhatsApp