Receiving an unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can be concerning, especially if you’re a landlord preparing to rent out a property or a homeowner unsure about the safety of your electrical system.
However, an unsatisfactory EICR doesn’t automatically mean your entire electrical installation needs replacing. It simply indicates that one or more issues have been identified that require further investigation or corrective action before the installation can be considered satisfactory.
Understanding what these findings mean, which repairs are necessary and how quickly you need to act can help you resolve the situation without unnecessary delays or expenses.
In this guide, we’ll explain what happens when your EICR fails, how to understand the different fault codes and what steps you should take to make your property electrically safe.
What Does an Unsatisfactory EICR Mean?
An unsatisfactory EICR means that an electrical inspection has identified at least one issue that presents a danger, could become dangerous or requires further investigation to determine whether the installation is safe.
During an EICR inspection, a qualified electrician examines and tests the condition of your property’s fixed electrical installations, including wiring, sockets, lighting circuits, consumer units and protective devices.
The electrician then records any defects using specific classification codes.
A report will be classified as unsatisfactory if it contains one or more of the following:
C1: Danger present, requiring immediate action.
C2: Potentially dangerous, requiring urgent remedial work.
FI: Further investigation required without delay.
A C3 observation, on its own, does not make an EICR unsatisfactory.
An unsatisfactory result should be taken seriously, but the extent of the work required depends on the faults identified. Some issues can be resolved through relatively straightforward repairs, while others may require more extensive electrical work.
Understanding EICR Fault Codes
Your EICR will include a list of observations explaining the electrical problems identified during the inspection. Each observation is assigned a code indicating how serious the issue is.
Understanding these codes helps you determine which repairs should be prioritised.
Code | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
C1 | Danger present | Immediate action |
C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent repairs |
FI | Further investigation required | Investigate without delay |
C3 | Improvement recommended | Advisory improvement |
C1: Danger Present
A C1 code indicates an immediate electrical danger that could cause injury to anyone using the installation.
Examples may include exposed live electrical parts or severely damaged electrical equipment that creates a risk of electric shock.
If a C1 fault is discovered, the electrician should take appropriate action to make the installation safe immediately, where reasonably practicable.
This may involve isolating the affected circuit or equipment until the necessary repairs have been completed.
C2: Potentially Dangerous
A C2 code identifies an issue that may not present an immediate danger but could become hazardous under certain conditions.
Examples may include inadequate earthing arrangements, defective protective devices or electrical faults that could increase the risk of electric shock or fire.
C2 observations require urgent remedial work. They should not be ignored simply because the electrical installation appears to be working normally.
FI: Further Investigation Required
An FI classification means the electrician has identified a concern that requires additional investigation to determine whether danger or potential danger exists.
This might involve unusual test results or suspected faults that cannot be fully assessed during the initial inspection.
Further investigation should be arranged without delay. Depending on the findings, additional repairs may be necessary.
C3: Improvement Recommended
A C3 code indicates an area where the electrical installation could be improved to enhance safety.
For example, an older installation might not incorporate certain features recommended by more recent wiring standards, without necessarily being unsafe.
Unlike C1, C2 and FI observations, a C3 recommendation alone does not result in an unsatisfactory EICR.
Although C3 improvements are generally advisory, addressing them can help improve the overall safety and reliability of your electrical system.
What Should You Do After Receiving an Unsatisfactory EICR?
If your property fails an EICR inspection, the next step is to review the findings and arrange appropriate corrective work.
Here’s how to approach the process.
1. Review Your EICR Report
Start by examining the observations recorded by the electrician.
Pay particular attention to any C1, C2 or FI codes, as these identify the issues that need immediate attention, urgent repairs or further investigation.
If you’re unsure what a particular observation means, ask your electrician to explain the problem and its potential risks.
2. Address Immediate Electrical Hazards
Any C1 faults must be dealt with immediately to prevent injury.
Depending on the nature of the hazard, this could involve disconnecting a damaged electrical component, isolating an unsafe circuit or carrying out an emergency repair.
Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself or continue using equipment that has been identified as dangerous.
3. Arrange the Necessary Remedial Work
Once any immediate danger has been addressed, arrange for a qualified electrician to complete the remaining repairs.
Common EICR remedial work may include:
Replacing damaged or unsafe sockets and switches.
Repairing faulty wiring connections.
Correcting earthing or bonding deficiencies.
Replacing defective circuit breakers or protective devices.
Installing appropriate RCD protection where necessary.
Repairing or replacing damaged electrical circuits.
Not every unsatisfactory report requires a complete rewire or consumer unit replacement. The repairs should be based on the actual faults identified during the inspection.
4. Obtain Written Confirmation of the Repairs
After the remedial work is completed, the electrician should provide appropriate documentation confirming what has been repaired and, where applicable, that the installation meets the required electrical safety standards.
This may include an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) or another suitable form of written confirmation.
A completely new EICR is not automatically required following every repair. The necessary documentation depends on the work completed and whether the original findings have been adequately resolved.
5. Keep Your Electrical Safety Records
Retain your original EICR alongside all remedial work certificates and written confirmations.
These documents demonstrate which issues were identified, what corrective action was taken and whether the installation was subsequently confirmed as safe.
For landlords, maintaining these records is particularly important when demonstrating compliance with electrical safety regulations.
How Long Do Landlords Have to Fix an Unsatisfactory EICR?
In England, landlords must arrange for the necessary remedial work or further investigation within 28 days of the original inspection, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter timeframe.
This requirement applies to both private and social landlords covered by the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations.
Landlords must also:
Ensure the necessary work is completed by a qualified person.
Obtain written confirmation of the completed work and the installation’s safety.
Provide tenants and the local council with the required report and written confirmation within 28 days of the remedial work being completed.
Arrange additional corrective work if further investigation identifies more electrical hazards.
The 28-day deadline is not permission to leave dangerous faults unresolved. C1 hazards require immediate action, while C2 faults and FI observations must be addressed urgently.
Where genuine practical constraints prevent completion within the required timeframe, landlords should document the reasonable steps taken to comply.
Can You Rent Out a Property With an Unsatisfactory EICR?
An unsatisfactory EICR indicates that the electrical installation has not been assessed as safe for continued use.
For landlords in London, renting out a property without addressing the identified electrical hazards could breach the electrical safety requirements applying to rented accommodation.
If you’re preparing for new tenants, it’s important to arrange the necessary repairs and obtain suitable electrical safety documentation before occupation.
For an existing tenancy, the landlord must arrange the required work within the applicable deadlines, ensure occupants are protected from dangerous conditions and provide the necessary documentation.
Under the current regulations in England, local authorities can impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 for specified breaches committed from 1 May 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Unsatisfactory EICR?
The cost of EICR remedial work depends on the number, type and severity of the electrical faults identified.
For example, replacing a damaged socket may be relatively inexpensive compared with upgrading a consumer unit or repairing defective wiring throughout a property.
Factors affecting the cost include:
Type of fault: Simple repairs generally cost less than major electrical upgrades.
Number of observations: Multiple defects may require additional labour and materials.
Property size: Larger properties may contain more circuits and electrical installations.
Accessibility: Concealed wiring or difficult-to-reach components may increase labour costs.
Additional testing: Some faults require further investigation before the appropriate repairs can be determined.
Before agreeing to remedial work, request a clear quotation explaining which defects need correcting and what work will be carried out.
A qualified electrician should also be able to distinguish between essential safety repairs and optional improvements, helping you avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unsatisfactory EICRs
Does an Unsatisfactory EICR Mean I Need a Full Rewire?
No. An unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically mean your property needs rewiring. Many electrical defects can be corrected through individual repairs or targeted upgrades. A complete rewire may only be necessary where the condition of the existing wiring justifies it.
Do I Need Another EICR After Remedial Work?
Not necessarily. Appropriate electrical certificates or written confirmation may be sufficient to demonstrate that the identified defects have been corrected. A new EICR may be appropriate in certain circumstances, depending on the condition of the installation and the scope of the work.
Can I Ignore C3 Recommendations?
C3 observations are advisory and do not make an EICR unsatisfactory on their own. Although these improvements are not normally mandatory under the EICR remedial requirements, addressing them may improve electrical safety.
Can I Still Use Electricity After an Unsatisfactory EICR?
It depends on the faults identified. Some issues may affect individual circuits or electrical components, while others could create broader safety concerns. Follow the inspecting electrician’s instructions and do not use any circuits or equipment identified as unsafe.
Who Is Responsible for Paying for EICR Remedial Work?
In rented properties, the landlord is generally responsible for arranging and paying for work needed to meet their electrical safety obligations. Homeowners are responsible for repairs to their own electrical installations.
What Happens If I Disagree With My EICR Results?
Ask the inspecting electrician to explain the observations and the reasons for their classifications. If you remain concerned, you can seek an independent assessment from another qualified electrician experienced in electrical inspection and testing.
Need Help With an Unsatisfactory EICR in London?
An unsatisfactory EICR doesn’t have to become a complicated or costly problem. Identifying the faults, understanding which repairs are essential, and arranging the necessary work can help you restore your property’s electrical safety.
At Route Electrical, our NAPIT-registered electricians provide electrical inspection and testing services for domestic and commercial properties across London.
Whether you need an EICR inspection in London or professional advice about an existing unsatisfactory report, our team can help you understand the next steps.
Contact Route Electrical to discuss your EICR requirements and request a quotation.
