Portable Appliance Tests- when necessary? can T claim?

[Wiltshire]

Hi

Just a quick question if you could offer some advice on please. When my tenants began their tenancy we tried to be as accommodating as possible as they were moving from abroad. In addition to allowing them to move some furniture in prior to their tenancy start we left them a kettle (not part of the tenancy and not on inventory) in order that they could make a hot drink when they arrived. The property as a whole has been provided an electricity compliance cert. Could I still be in trouble for not getting this item PAT tested. The tenant said it would be useful for them that is why we left it there for them.
The tenants have mentioned this item in a claim they made for return of deposit (I have mentioned level of property damage in previous post)

Many thanks

[MrJohnnyB]

They are saying that they are liable for some kind of compensation because you have not PAT certified a kettle? Erm, what loss have they incurred as a result of you not certifying this item :confused:

[Snorkerz]

Hi.

If the property was not a HMO (which it doesn't seem to be) then I believe there is no obligation upon you at all to have electrical appliances PAT tested. Your obligation is only to ensure that they are safe - and for most LLs PAT is the easiest way to ensure/prove this.

IF tenants are claiming they were electricuted due to a fault in the kettle, they may have a claim, if they are just trying to discredit you then you have nothing to worry about.

IANAL

[Wiltshire]

Thanks guys, that a weight off. They do seem to be mentioning silly things that appear to be in an attempt to discredit me. Sorry but, what is HMO?

FYI, no, no claim for electrocution etc just that they claim it was thrown away by them. Which is of course fine as it was a favour and nothing else.

[Wiltshire]

Have looked up HMO and no this was not one of those.

[jeffrey]

If T arrived from abroad, perhaps the equipment was unsuitable for UK use (voltage)?

[Wiltshire]

Hi Jeffrey

No, not a US item. I left a UK kettle for them to use (as a courtesy) for when they arrived. This kettle was never an inventory or tenancy item just left as the tenant said it would be useful for when they arrived.

[aboylikedave]

Don't mean to hijack thread, as I hope this is relevant.

Does a brand new item need to be PAT tested?

[Poppy]

Wiltshire, that’s a bad idea. As landlord, you are responsible for the safety of all equipment/furnishings placed by you in the let property whether it appears on the inventory or not. Please do not leave your unwanted electrical items for your tenants.

Aboylikedave, your question was answered in post #3.

[Wiltshire]

Hi Poppy

The tenant asked if it would be ok to leave it as it would be useful. If they hadn't we would not have left it. Though certainly I would never again.

[jeffrey]

Does a brand new item need to be PAT tested?
No. I think that PAT requirements arise after three years.
[NB: 'PAT' means 'Portable Appliance Test/Testing', so 'PET Test' is duplication of wording- like 'PIN number'!]

[Snorkerz]

No. I think that PAT requirements arise after three years.
[NB: 'PAT' means 'Portable Appliance Test/Testing', so 'PET Test' is duplication of wording- like 'PIN number'!]

So, does my tenants dog need testing after 3 years?

[jeffrey]

No but your apostrophes ought to be checked. And your sporran is also checked. And your bank account is chequed.
Give in?

[johnny99]

No but your apostrophes ought to be checked. And your sporran is also checked. And your bank account is chequed.
Give in?

Surely my sporran would not be checked? My tartan may be described as checked, but not my sporran.

Yours pedantically.

[mind the gap]

Surely my sporran would not be checked?

That would depend on what the police thought you were concealing in it :D

[Snorkerz]

No but your apostrophes ought to be checked. And your sporran is also checked. And your bank account is chequed.
Give in?I knew I'd regret taking on the great Jeffrey ;)