What Happens If You Fail an EICR? A Step-by-Step Guide

First, it's important to clarify the terminology. An EICR doesn't technically issue a simple pass or fail. Instead, it results in one of two outcomes:

• Satisfactory — Your electrical installation meets the required standard and no urgent action is needed.
• Unsatisfactory — One or more faults, defects, or potentially dangerous conditions have been identified that require attention.

An unsatisfactory result is what most people refer to as a "failed EICR." The good news is that this outcome comes with a detailed report outlining exactly what needs to be fixed, classified by severity, meaning you know precisely where to focus your efforts.

Step 1: Understand the EICR Fault Codes

The most important thing to do immediately after receiving an unsatisfactory EICR is to read the report carefully and understand the classification codes assigned to each observation. There are four codes used:

C1 — Danger Present (Immediate Risk)

A C1 code indicates an immediate danger to anyone using or living in the property. This is the most serious classification and means the fault poses a direct risk of electric shock, fire, or injury right now.

Examples of C1 faults:

• Exposed live wiring
• No earth connection on metal components
• Severe overheating or burn marks on the consumer unit

What you must do: A C1 fault must be addressed immediately, ideally on the same day as the inspection. Until it is rectified, the electrical installation should not be used. A responsible inspector may even isolate the affected circuit before leaving the property.

C2 — Potentially Dangerous (Urgent Action Required)

A C2 code means the fault is not an immediate danger, but could become dangerous if left unaddressed. While the risk isn't instant, the situation is considered urgent.

Examples of C2 faults:

• Absence of RCD (Residual Current Device) protection
• Inadequate earthing or bonding
• Outdated wiring that does not meet current standards

What you must do: C2 faults need to be resolved as a priority. For landlords in England, the law requires that C1 and C2 faults are remedied within 28 days of the EICR being issued (or sooner if specified in the report).

C3 — Improvement Recommended (Non-Urgent)

A C3 code is an advisory notice — it highlights something that could be improved to bring the installation more in line with current best practice, but it does not constitute a failure on its own.

Important to note: A C3 code alone does not make an EICR unsatisfactory. If your report only contains C3 observations, you still receive a satisfactory result. However, acting on C3 recommendations is always advisable for long-term safety.

FI — Further Investigation Required

An FI code means the inspector could not fully assess a part of the installation and recommends further investigation before a definitive result can be given. This typically applies to concealed or inaccessible wiring.

What you must do: An FI observation effectively puts the EICR on hold for that element. You'll need a specialist investigation carried out before the report can be finalised.

Step 2: Know Your Legal Obligations as a Landlord

If you're a private landlord in England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 set out very clear legal duties following an unsatisfactory EICR:

1. You must carry out all necessary remedial work within 28 days of the EICR inspection date (or within the timeframe specified in the report if shorter).
2. You must provide written confirmation to your tenant that the remedial work has been completed.
3. You must provide a copy of the written confirmation from the electrician to your local council if requested.
4. Once the remedial work is complete, a new EICR must be obtained confirming the installation is now satisfactory.

Failure to comply can result in your local council issuing a remedial notice and — if you continue to ignore it — a financial penalty of up to £30,000.

Step 3: Get a Remedial Work Quotation

Once you understand the fault codes on your report, the next step is to obtain a quotation for the remedial work required. This involves a qualified electrician reviewing your EICR report and providing a fixed-price breakdown of the work needed to bring your installation up to standard.

What to look for in a remedial work quote:

• Itemised pricing for each C1 and C2 fault
• Confirmation that the work will be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician
• A clear timeline for completion
• Inclusion of a follow-up inspection and updated EICR certificate upon completion

At Nationwide Surveyors, you can request an EICR remedial work quotation online in under 60 seconds, 24 hours a day. Our team reviews submitted reports within 24 hours and provides transparent, fixed-price quotations — no hidden costs.

Step 4: Book and Complete the Remedial Work

Once you're happy with your quotation, schedule the remedial work as soon as possible — particularly if C1 faults are present. The speed of completion matters both for safety and for legal compliance.

Common types of EICR remedial work include:

• Consumer unit (fuse board) upgrade — Often required when the existing unit is outdated, lacks RCD protection, or uses rewirable fuses
• RCD installation — Adding residual current device protection to circuits that lack it
• Earthing and bonding improvements — Ensuring all metalwork in kitchens and bathrooms is correctly bonded
• Replacement of damaged or deteriorated cables — Where wiring has degraded or is no longer up to standard
• Socket and switch replacement — Repairing or upgrading outlets that are cracked, loose, or unsafe
• Further investigation work — Tracing concealed wiring or investigating suspected faults behind walls

Browse our real-world remedial work case studies to see examples of completed projects across a range of property types.

Step 5: Obtain Your Updated Satisfactory EICR

Once all C1 and C2 faults have been rectified, the electrician carrying out the remedial work will conduct a final inspection and issue an updated EICR confirming the installation is now Satisfactory. This is the document you need to:

• Give to your tenant (legally required within 28 days)
• Provide to your solicitor if the property is being sold
• Keep on file for your records

A satisfactory EICR is valid for up to 5 years for rental properties, or until the next change of tenancy (whichever comes first). For commercial properties, validity periods may differ depending on the nature of the premises.

Can a tenant legally refuse entry for EICR remedial work?

As a landlord, you are legally required to complete remedial work within 28 days. If a tenant refuses access, you should document the attempts and seek legal advice. Providing at least 24 hours' written notice of the visit is required by law.

Do I need a new EICR after remedial work?

Yes. Once C1 and C2 faults have been repaired, the electrician must re-inspect the relevant parts of the installation and issue an updated satisfactory EICR.

Can I use a different electrician for remedial work than the one who did my EICR?

Yes, absolutely. You are free to choose any qualified, registered electrician to carry out the remedial work.

What if the EICR only has C3 codes?

A report containing only C3 (advisory) observations is still classed as Satisfactory. You are not legally required to act on C3 recommendations, but it is good practice to do so over time.

How long does EICR remedial work take?

It depends on the scope of work. Replacing a consumer unit typically takes a full day; minor repairs such as socket replacements or bonding may be completed in just a few hours.