Landlord Appliance Testing Rules for Renters in Scotland

Staying safe in your rented home depends partly on your landlord’s responsibilities for health and safety. If you’re wondering whether landlords in Scotland are required to test appliances—and what your rights are—this guide breaks down the essentials in clear terms.

Landlord Responsibilities for Appliance Safety

Under Scottish law, landlords have a legal obligation to provide safe and functioning living conditions. This includes ensuring that any supplied appliances, such as cookers, fridges, washing machines, and especially electrical equipment, are safe to use at the start of and throughout your tenancy.

• Electrical safety: Landlords must ensure that all electrical installations and fittings provided are safe.
• Furniture and appliances: Any appliance supplied must comply with safety standards.
• Checks must meet the standards under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and guidance from the Scottish Government.

What Checks Must Landlords Carry Out?

Your landlord must arrange the following checks for appliances and electrical systems:

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Every 5 years (or at change of tenancy), all electrical installations in the property must be inspected and tested. This covers fixed wiring as well as any appliances provided by the landlord.
• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): Landlords must have all portable appliances they provide tested at least every five years, but recommended best practice is annually. This includes items like kettles, toasters, lamps, and microwaves.

For more detail, visit the official Scottish Government guidance on electrical safety for private tenants.

What Evidence Can Renters Request?

You have the right to ask your landlord for evidence of recent appliance and electrical safety checks. This may include:

• The latest EICR certificate for the property
• Recent PAT test results for any supplied portable appliances
• Any relevant safety or compliance documentation for larger appliances

If a landlord refuses or fails to provide this, you can take further action (see below).

What About Gas Appliances?

If any gas appliance (like a boiler or cooker) is in the property, your landlord must arrange an annual Gas Safety Check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should be given a copy of the Landlord Gas Safety Record each year. Learn more at the official UK Government page on gas safety checks in rental homes.

Which Official Forms or Certificates Might You See?

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): No official form number, but a standard template must be completed by a registered electrician. For example, if your landlord gives you an EICR dated within the last 5 years, this covers the property’s fixed wiring and landlord-supplied appliances. See Scottish Government EICR guidance.
• Landlord Gas Safety Record: Required annually for gas appliances. You should receive a copy after each check; for details and what it looks like, visit Gas Safe Register – Tenant Information.

The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles legal disputes between private tenants and landlords, including breaches of health and safety duties.

What If My Landlord Is Not Meeting Their Safety Duties?

If you believe your landlord has not tested appliances or is not meeting safety standards:

• Request safety documentation in writing—keep a copy for your records
• If you get no response, consider contacting your local council’s Environmental Health team
• If the issue isn’t resolved, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland using their ‘Application in respect of Repairing Standard’ form

Action Steps: Reporting an Appliance Safety Issue

• Write to your landlord, asking for current safety certificates for appliances and/or gas equipment
• If no action is taken within a reasonable time, report the issue to your council’s Environmental Health department
• Still not resolved? Apply to the First-tier Tribunal using the Repairing Standard application form—practical for example, if your landlord ignores repeated requests for a PAT certificate for kitchen appliances

The Tribunal can order landlords to carry out required safety checks or repairs. For the full process, visit the Tribunal’s application guidance for repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords in Scotland legally required to carry out PAT testing on all appliances?
   Yes, all portable electrical appliances supplied by the landlord must be tested at least every five years, but annual testing is recommended. You can ask for the latest PAT certificate as proof.
2. Can I refuse to use an appliance if there is no safety certificate?
   If you believe an appliance is unsafe or untested, you should raise this with your landlord in writing. If the matter isn't resolved, you can contact your council or the Housing and Property Chamber for support.
3. What should I do if my landlord won’t give me a copy of the EICR or PAT certificate?
   Formally request the document in writing. If your landlord does not provide it, escalate to your local authority’s Environmental Health team or apply directly to the Tribunal for an order.
4. Who is responsible for testing my own appliances that I bring to the property?
   As a tenant, you are responsible for any appliances you bring yourself. The landlord’s duty covers only the items they supply.
5. What is the Repairing Standard and how does it relate to appliance safety?
   The Repairing Standard in Scotland sets the minimum legal standards landlords must meet, including that all supplied appliances are safe and working. If these are not met, tenants can apply to the Tribunal.

Conclusion: Your Key Takeaways

• Scottish landlords must ensure all supplied appliances are safe, carrying out PAT and EICR checks regularly
• You have the right to see up-to-date safety certificates—always ask for them in writing
• If your landlord won’t comply, escalate to your council and use the Housing and Property Chamber

Staying informed about your rights can help ensure your home is healthy and safe.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Scotland

• Scottish Government: Repairs in privately rented homes
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Private Renting Advice
• Your local council’s Environmental Health department (find contact details on your council’s website under ‘housing’ or ‘environmental health’)

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. Scottish Government: Electrical Safety in Private Rented Homes
3. UK Government: Gas Safety in Rented Properties
4. Housing and Property Chamber: Repairing Standard
5. Housing and Property Chamber: Repairs Application

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