PAT Testing for Holiday Lets & Rental Properties

Overview

PAT testing - Portable Appliance Testing - is the process of inspecting and electrically testing plugged-in appliances to confirm they're safe to use. Despite the name, there's no single legally defined 'PAT test': what the law actually requires is that landlords, employers, and anyone responsible for a property used by others ensures that electrical equipment is safe. A proper PAT test, carried out by someone who knows what they're looking for, is the most practical way to demonstrate that. In a holiday let or rental property, that means everything a guest or tenant might use - kettles, toasters, lamps, TVs, hairdryers, and anything else with a plug.

What's involved

Visual inspection

Before any electrical testing, every appliance gets a close visual check: the cable for damage or wear, the plug for correct fuse rating and secure terminations, and the appliance body for cracks, scorch marks, or anything that indicates a problem. Many of the most significant defects - damaged flex, non-sleeved pins, incorrect fuses - are visible to the eye before a tester is even switched on.

Electrical testing

I use a calibrated PAT tester to run earth continuity and insulation resistance checks on each applicable appliance. The results are recorded against the appliance and cross-referenced with the relevant pass/fail thresholds for the appliance class.

Labelling and written report

Every appliance that passes gets a dated label. Every appliance that fails is clearly marked as unsafe and documented in the written report, along with the nature of the failure. Where a failed item can be repaired on the spot - a plug swap, a flex replacement - I'll do that and retest it rather than leaving it labelled as failed.

Typical Costs

I charge by the job, not by the hour. For most holiday lets the price is agreed once I know roughly how many appliances are involved - no surprises when I'm done.

What affects the price

Number of appliances to be tested
Whether any failed items need repair (plug swaps, flex replacement)
Travel distance to the property

Example costs

Small holiday let (up to 15 appliances): £60–£80
Larger property (15–40 appliances): £80–£140
Commercial premises - price on request: POA

Common Questions

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes, quotes are free with no obligation. Call or WhatsApp and we can discuss the job - for anything straightforward I can usually give a price over the phone, and for larger jobs I'll arrange a site visit.

What area do you cover?

I cover Penzance, St Ives, Hayle, Marazion, Newlyn, St Just, Camborne, and the wider Penwith peninsula. If you're unsure whether you're in range, just call and ask - I'm happy to travel for the right job.

Are you NAPIT registered?

Yes, I'm NAPIT registered - member number 66376. You can verify this on the NAPIT website by searching for Cornovii Electrical. NAPIT registration means I'm assessed annually against industry standards and can self-certify notifiable electrical work, including consumer unit upgrades and new circuits.

Are you VAT registered?

Not currently, which means there's no VAT to add on top of my prices. This may change in the future, but any change would be communicated clearly before work is quoted or carried out.

Ready to get a quote?

Call or WhatsApp Ryan for a free, no-obligation quote. Usually responds same day.

Call 07453 367488 WhatsApp Ryan