PAT
Best platform to book PAT testing in the UK 2026
Updated 2026-05-22 · 4 min read
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) isn't legally mandatory under the Landlord and Tenant Act, but most insurance policies and tenancy agreements require it for any electrical appliance you supply with the property. PAT is a commodity service: the certification has weak legal force but the test is cheap and quick. Here is how the three platforms compare.
What PAT actually involves
A trained tester (City and Guilds 2377 or equivalent) checks each appliance for earth continuity, insulation resistance and visible damage, then sticks a pass/fail label on it and records the result. A standard rental property with five to ten appliances takes one to two hours.
Checkatrade for PAT
Checkatrade lists PAT testers; trade-body accreditation is verified. Typical £40 to £80 for a one-bedroom flat with five to seven appliances, £60 to £120 for a three-bed house.
MyBuilder for PAT
MyBuilder typically returns the cheapest quotes for PAT because the work is commoditised. Often £30 to £70 for the same one-bedroom flat. Best fit for cost-sensitive landlords.
Bark for PAT
Bark works but PAT testers there are often electricians using PAT as a side service. Quality varies more than the other two.
Recommendation
Default to MyBuilder for PAT. The cost difference is meaningful, the legal weight is low, and the bid model returns three to five quotes within a day.
Common questions
- Is PAT legally required for landlords?
- Not under primary legislation. However, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 require any electrical equipment you supply to be safe; PAT is the standard way to evidence that.
- How often should I PAT test?
- Annually for typical rental appliances, more often for high-risk items (kettles, irons) if the property is HMO or used by vulnerable tenants.
- Can I PAT test myself?
- Only if you hold the City and Guilds 2377 qualification. Otherwise the certificate has no insurance value.