Understanding PAT and legal context
Tenants often worry about the safety of kettles, fridges and other plug-in items in shared flats or Houses in Multiple Occupation. In Scotland, renters have a right to live in properties that meet basic safety standards, and landlords must ensure electrical equipment they supply is safe. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) can be one way to check, but there is no single UK-wide rule forcing periodic PAT at set intervals. This section explains the legal context and practical expectations under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.[1]
Landlord and tenant responsibilities
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that appliances they provide are safe; tenants should report faults promptly and keep records. Practical actions below help protect your safety and support any later complaint or tribunal application.
- Ask your landlord to provide evidence of safety checks within a reasonable time.
- Keep written records: copies of PAT certificates, photos and receipts of repairs.
- Do not attempt major repairs to appliances supplied by your landlord; report faults instead.
- Serve a clear written notice describing the fault and the action you want your landlord to take.
Official forms and where to find them
Application for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order — form name: "Application for a Repairing Standard Enforcement Order" (see tribunal application forms). Use it when a landlord will not carry out repairs required to meet the repairing standard; for example, if a supplied cooker has an exposed live wire and the landlord refuses to fix or remove it. Find the form and instructions on the Housing and Property Chamber website.[3]
Written complaint to your landlord (no statutory form number) — there is no single statutory form for reporting appliance faults to a landlord. Use a dated, signed letter or email describing the defect, the risk, and a reasonable timescale for repair or removal. Guidance and templates are available from Scottish Government housing safety pages to help tenants prepare clear reports.[2]
FAQ
- Do landlords have to carry out PAT testing in Scotland?
- No. There is no statutory requirement for routine PAT testing at fixed intervals, but landlords must ensure any electrical appliances they supply are safe under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.[1]
- What can I do if an appliance supplied by my landlord is unsafe?
- Report the issue in writing, ask for repair or removal, keep records and photos, and if the landlord does not act you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).[3]
- Can I refuse to use an appliance I think is dangerous?
- Yes, you can refuse to use it and should notify the landlord in writing explaining the safety risk; do not attempt to fix electrical faults yourself.
How-To
- Contact your landlord promptly in writing, describing the fault and requesting a response within a clear timeframe.
- Keep evidence: take dated photos, save emails and receipts, and record any conversations about the issue.
- If the landlord does not act, complete the appropriate application form and apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) to enforce repairs.[3]
- Prepare for any tribunal hearing by organising your documents and copies of communications, photos and certificates.
Help and Support / Resources
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
- Scottish Government housing and safety guidance
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
