Quick Answer
An EICR checks the fixed electrical installation in a building, including the wiring, consumer unit, and sockets. PAT testing checks portable appliances that plug into those sockets, such as kettles, washing machines, and lamps. An EICR is a legal requirement for landlords. PAT testing has no single blanket law but is strongly recommended wherever a landlord supplies appliances.
Side by Side Comparison
| EICR | PAT Testing | |
|---|---|---|
| What it checks | Fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches | Portable plug-in appliances |
| Legal requirement for landlords | Yes, mandatory every 5 years | No single law, but strongly advised |
| Who carries it out | Qualified electrician | Competent person, often an electrician |
| Typical frequency | Every 5 years | Annually or at each change of tenancy |
| Report given | EICR document with C1, C2, C3, FI codes | Pass or fail label per appliance |
The Simplest Way to Remember It
An EICR checks the socket on the wall and the wiring behind it. PAT testing checks the plug and the lead of whatever you plug into that socket. A property can have a perfectly satisfactory EICR and still have a dangerous appliance, since the two checks cover entirely different things.
Do Landlords Legally Need Both?
An EICR is a clear legal requirement for every private rental property in England. PAT testing does not have its own dedicated law for residential lettings, but landlords have a general duty of care under health and safety law to ensure any appliance they provide is safe. If you supply a fridge, washer, or kettle, you carry that responsibility even without a specific PAT testing statute.
Furnished vs Unfurnished Properties
If you let an unfurnished property and the tenant brings their own appliances, PAT testing responsibility shifts to the tenant for their own equipment. If you let a furnished property and supply the appliances, the responsibility to ensure they are safe stays with you. Many landlords choose to PAT test annually or at every change of tenancy as clear evidence of that duty of care.
What Happens If You Skip One?
Skipping the EICR is a direct breach of the law and can lead to a civil penalty of up to £40,000. Skipping PAT testing carries no fixed statutory fine, but if a supplied appliance causes harm, you can face liability claims, invalidated insurance, and compensation costs. One documented case saw a landlord pay £3,000 in compensation after an untested washing machine caught fire.
HMOs Need Extra Attention
In shared housing, PAT testing becomes more important because tenants often use communal appliances such as kettles, microwaves, and vacuum cleaners. Many local councils include PAT testing as a condition of HMO licensing, even though it is not written into national law.
How to Book Both Efficiently
Most electricians who carry out EICRs can also perform PAT testing in the same visit. Booking them together reduces disruption for tenants and often costs less than arranging two separate appointments. See our full EICR checklist for landlords for how to prepare for a combined visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do landlords need PAT testing by law?
There is no single dedicated law requiring PAT testing in residential lettings, but landlords have a duty of care to ensure supplied appliances are safe.
Does an EICR cover appliances?
No. An EICR only covers the fixed electrical installation. Appliances need separate PAT testing.
How often should PAT testing be done?
Annually or at each change of tenancy is common practice for landlords, though there is no fixed legal interval.
Can I do PAT testing myself?
A competent person can carry out basic checks, but a full PAT test with proper equipment is best left to a qualified electrician.
Do unfurnished properties need PAT testing?
Only for any appliances the landlord supplies. Tenant-owned appliances are the tenant’s own responsibility.
Related Reading
This article reflects UK electrical safety regulations current as of August 2026.