In the property sector, a duty of care exists for landlords and estate agents to ensure the safety of electrical appliances in the properties that they lease to their tenants.

You are likely to be held legally liable for fire damage and personal injury resulting from unsafe appliances. These include garden equipment, TVs, toasters, fridges, vacuum cleaners and microwaves etc.

Portable Appliance Testing is vital to ensure you have fully discharged your legal obligations and to give your tenants peace of mind in their homes and offices.

Regulations On Electrical Appliances For Landlords & Letting Agents

The Electrical Equipment (safety) Regulations 1994, mandatory since 1 January 1997. State that all electrical appliances supplied with let accommodation must be safe. This applies to both new and second-hand appliances and covers all electrical items supplied for the intended use of the tenant. The only sure method of ensuring that these appliances are safe is to have them tested by a competent person using the appropriate calibrated PAT testing equipment.

Failure to comply with the Electrical Regulations may constitute a criminal offence under the Consumers Protection Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty on summary conviction of a £5000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment. In addition, be sued in Civil Law under the duty of care for failure to ensure the tenants safety and face punitive damages.