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HMO portable appliance testing (PAT) in Northern Ireland

A legal requirement for landlords in Northern Ireland, needed every 12 months. It applies to rented properties that are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and must be done by a registered, qualified electrician.

At a glance

How often
Every 12 months
Who does it
A registered, qualified electrician
Applies to
Rented properties that are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
Legal status
Legal requirement

Common questions

How often is the HMO portable appliance testing (PAT) needed in Northern Ireland?

The HMO portable appliance testing (PAT) is needed every 12 months in Northern Ireland, counted from the date of the last one.

Who is responsible for the HMO portable appliance testing (PAT)?

The landlord is responsible for arranging it. The work itself must be done by a registered, qualified electrician.

Does it apply to every rented property in Northern Ireland?

No. It applies to rented properties that are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

What does the law say?

NI HMO standard licence conditions: a current PAT certificate for appliances the landlord supplies, produced to the council on demand. The conditions say 'current' without fixing an interval; 12 months is a Beamwise default.

Written from the same rule Beamwise uses to track this for properties in Northern Ireland, last updated . Rules change, so check the legislation named above or take professional advice before relying on it.

Every landlord rule in Northern Ireland

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