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What are the PAT testing regulations?

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Not entirely sure what you need to do to keep your electrical equipment compliant and safe?

Here’s what you need to know about PAT testing regulations in the UK. And remember, if you want to know more about the PAT testing rules, we’re happy to help. Send us an email or get in touch through our online chat feature.

PAT testing regulations for landlords

The PAT testing regulations for landlords can vary.

PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement for standard rental properties in the UK, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It may be required for houses in multiple occupations (HMOs ) – we recommend checking with your local authority.

PAT testing must be carried out every five years by law for rental properties in Scotland.

More information about PAT regulations for landlords

PAT testing regulations for commercial properties

PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement for commercial properties like schools, offices, factories, and shops.

However, it is a legal requirement to ensure that employees, customers, and visitors are kept safe. PAT testing is one of the easiest ways to ensure that electrical equipment doesn’t cause electric shocks or is a fire risk.

PAT testing regulations for holiday properties

PAT testing for holiday properties like caravans, lodges, and holiday homes is not a legal requirement in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. However, any agencies or rental companies you work with may request that you have it done.

Holiday properties in Scotland must have PAT testing carried out every five years.

PAT testing regulations in Scotland

PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement for commercial buildings in Scotland.

However, you must carry out PAT testing every five years if you own a short-term or long-term rental property.

In summary: the PAT testing regulations and rules can vary depending on several factors

PAT testing regulations in the UK depend not just on where you are, but also on the type of building.

Even if PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement, it can be an effective way to ensure your electrical equipment is safe and compliant.

Find out more about PAT testing and the law

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Julie Hutson profile picture
Julie Hutson
09:37 02 Apr 26
We have been using Hawkesworth for many years. They provide a first class service, with friendly knowledgeable staff.
Kealey Manvell profile picture
Kealey Manvell
17:58 19 Feb 26
Great service - arrived on time to carry out PAT testing with no fuss! Would highly recommend!
Kirsty Jones profile picture
Kirsty Jones
14:39 19 Feb 26
Easy communication with a reliable and efficient service.
Steve Widnell profile picture
Steve Widnell
09:55 18 Feb 26
Friendly, efficient and helpful service from the engineer
L Vaughan profile picture
L Vaughan
14:53 11 Feb 26
Can I just say that Alistair was a great ambassador for your company and was really efficient, professional and friendly.
Paul Cowell profile picture
Paul Cowell
15:35 28 Jan 26
We had our yearly Pat Testing completed. The operative was very friendly and helpful. I would recommend to anyone who is considering using Hawkesworth and we will definitely be using them moving forward annually ...
Sophie Hodkinson profile picture
Sophie Hodkinson
16:36 13 Jan 26
Both very professional, approachable and very well organised, which made the whole process run smoothly. Everything was explained clearly, disruption was kept to a minimum, and it was obvious they take pride in doing the job properly.

Several people commented on how efficient and pleasant you were to deal with.

Thanks again for your hard work — it was genuinely appreciated. We would be more than happy to have the same engineers again next year.
Chris Holbrow profile picture
Chris Holbrow
16:04 11 Dec 25
I’ve been using Hawkesworth for over seven years across various businesses for PAT testing, and they have consistently delivered an outstanding service. The booking and planning team are always friendly, helpful, and efficient, making the process smooth from start to finish.
The engineers they send are professional, polite, and trustworthy, qualities that really matter when working on-site in financial businesses. Our regional office managers have repeatedly commented on how impressed they were with the care and consideration shown during testing, both for our property and our staff.
Hawkesworth truly go above and beyond to provide a turnkey solution that ensures PAT testing is carried out correctly and with minimal disruption. I would 100% recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, customer-focused company.

Thank you, Hawkesworth!
Nicholas Burn profile picture
Nicholas Burn
11:42 04 Dec 25
As a new customer of Hawkesworth, I wanted to share my positive experience after using multiple services. From the moment I submitted an online enquiry, I received an immediate response—Debbie was incredibly helpful in explaining all the services Hawkesworth offers.

The follow-up process was seamless, with appointments scheduled promptly and honored as agreed. Every engineer who visited our site delivered exceptional service. They kept us informed about upcoming visits, arrived on time, and throughout the work, they were attentive to our company’s needs, going above and beyond to ensure excellent customer care.
The services provided included PAT testing, fire extinguisher checks, and emergency lighting inspections.

Based on this experience, I would highly recommend Hawkesworth to other businesses.
Gaby Wilks profile picture
Gaby Wilks
07:20 28 Oct 25
GeneFirst Ltd has been using Hawkesworth Appliance Testing for the last 2 years at our current site location.
Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Kobla Dogbatse the PAT engineer from Hawkesworth and he was fantastic.
Kobla, was efficient and thorough with his work, he was polite and pleasure to have on site.
He was respectful to all staff members by trying to limit any distraction or disturbance when conducting his work on any appliances that the team would be using.
This year I was lucky enough to have Kobla come back and I was thrilled to have him back as I knew the work would be done to the highest standards.
I allowed him to continue with his work without supervision and once finished he came into my office with a smile on his face and said everything is done and its all good.
I would highly recommend Hawkesworth to other companies as they are efficient with their communication and their engineers are a pleasure to have on site.
Thank you again for the great work and I hope to continue using your services in the future.

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