New Energy Standards Could Impact Electrical Safety Requirements for Landlords in England

August 7, 2025

UK Government’s ongoing push toward net zero

As part of the UK Government’s ongoing push toward net zero, a new consultation launched under the Rented Sector Decarbonisation Programme could soon bring significant changes for landlords across England.

The consultation, which closed in July, outlines proposals to improve energy efficiency and safety standards in the private rented sector. One section in particular – Section 7: Minimum Energy and Safety Standards – may have knock-on effects for landlords, especially those operating Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

At Southern EET Testing, we specialise in PAT testing for landlords and property managers, and we’re keeping a close eye on these developments.

You can read the full article on the GOV.UK website here

What’s Being Proposed?

While the final decisions are still to come, Section 7 outlines several key points:

Introduction of a Decent Homes Standard across the private rented sector in England
Electrical safety checks required at least every five years (already in force, but reiterated)
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) encouraged for appliances provided by the landlord
Stronger enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance
Clearer standards for damp, mould, and energy efficiency
Emphasis on ensuring tenants are safe, warm, and living in decent conditions

These measures aim to align private rented homes with energy and safety standards already seen in the social housing sector.

What It Means for Landlords

Landlords and letting agents should begin preparing for tighter inspection regimes and clearer tenant safety expectations. While some measures are already common practice, the consultation hints at greater scrutiny and potential legal enforcement, particularly around PAT testing for landlord-supplied appliances.

We recommend landlords:

Review existing electrical safety certificates
Schedule regular PAT testing for all provided appliances
Keep clear records of testing and inspections
Stay informed as legislation evolves

At Southern EET Testing, we’re ready to help landlords stay compliant and ensure tenant safety. With these changes potentially on the horizon, now is the time to act.

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Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.