Yes. An EICR can record an electrical installation as unsatisfactory when inspection and testing identify defects that make it dangerous or potentially dangerous. People commonly call this a “failed EICR”, although the report itself normally records an overall result of satisfactory or unsatisfactory. What happens next depends on the classification codes, the work required and, for rented property, the applicable legal duties.
Key Takeaways
- Under BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, C1 or C2 observations result in an unsatisfactory EICR.
- C3 is an improvement recommendation and does not make the report unsatisfactory.
- Under Amendment 4:2026, FI is advisory and does not by itself produce an unsatisfactory result.
- Landlords in England must complete remedial or investigative work that the report states is necessary within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies a shorter period.
- A completely new EICR is not automatically required after every repair; the correct completion documentation depends on the work carried out.
What Does a Failed EICR Actually Mean?
A “failed” EICR means the inspector has concluded that the electrical installation is not satisfactory for continued use in its present condition. The report should identify the observations responsible for that outcome and assign the appropriate classification codes.
An unsatisfactory result does not necessarily mean the whole property needs rewiring or that every electrical circuit is unsafe. The required response should be based on the specific observations recorded in the report. Some defects may need localised remedial work, while a wider problem may require further assessment or more extensive electrical work.
An EICR is a condition report on an existing fixed electrical installation. Its purpose is to identify safety-related defects and assess whether the installation is satisfactory for continued use. It is not the same as a certificate for newly installed electrical work.
Which EICR Codes Make the Report Unsatisfactory?
The classification code matters because not every observation has the same effect on the result. Under BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, C1 and C2 observations lead to an unsatisfactory assessment. C3 and FI do not, although they still provide information that should be considered.
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The individual codes have different purposes, so a short summary should not replace the observations written on the report. The separate guide to EICR C1, C2, C3 and FI codes explains those classifications in more detail.
Current 2026 position: BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 was published on 15 April 2026. The previous BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 edition remains within its six-month withdrawal period until 15 October 2026. Because Amendment 4 changes the presentation and wording around FI, the overall assessment and instructions on the actual EICR should always be read rather than assuming the result from one code alone.
What Happens After an Unsatisfactory EICR?
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Review the observations and classification codes.
The report should identify what has been found, where it was found and the classification applied. This determines which issues are responsible for the unsatisfactory result.
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Deal with immediate danger first.
A C1 observation means danger is present. The inspector may make the immediate hazard safe before leaving where this is possible and appropriate. An affected circuit or accessory should not simply be put back into normal use without the danger being dealt with.
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Arrange the required remedial work.
C2 observations require urgent remedial action. The work needed depends on the actual defect, so an unsatisfactory EICR does not automatically mean a full rewire, consumer unit replacement or another large project.
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Record and verify the completed work.
After remedial work, the appropriate inspection, testing and electrical documentation should confirm what has been corrected. The type of document depends on the work completed.
If you have received an unsatisfactory report and need the findings reviewed, the EICR service covers inspection, reporting and the next steps required for the fixed electrical installation.
What Are the Landlord Deadlines After an Unsatisfactory EICR?
For rented property covered by the Electrical Safety Standards regulations in England, a landlord must complete remedial work or further investigative work that the report states is necessary within 28 days, or within a shorter period when the report specifies one.
After the required work has been completed, the landlord must obtain written confirmation from the qualified person who carried out the work. The report and written confirmation must then be supplied to the tenant and the local council within 28 days of completion.
The 28-day rule is not a universal deadline for every property. It comes from landlord regulations applying in England. A homeowner arranging an EICR voluntarily is not automatically subject to that same statutory 28-day period simply because their report is unsatisfactory.
The current England regulations now cover both private and social rented sectors. Local councils have enforcement powers where specified landlord duties are breached, including remedial notices and, for qualifying breaches, financial penalties of up to £40,000.
Amendment 4 also changes the technical treatment of FI. Under the current BS 7671 form, an FI observation does not itself make the EICR unsatisfactory. However, landlords should still follow any further investigation that the report expressly identifies as necessary under the applicable regulations rather than treating an FI entry as something that can automatically be ignored.
Do You Always Need a New EICR After Remedial Work?
No. A completely new EICR is not automatically required every time remedial work is carried out. The correct evidence depends on what was repaired or altered and how the completed work needs to be certified.
Current GOV.UK guidance for landlords recognises several forms of written confirmation following remedial work, including a satisfactory EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or other appropriate electrical certification.
This matters because an EICR reports on the condition of the existing installation at the time of inspection. Remedial work carried out afterwards should be documented according to the work completed rather than automatically repeating a full periodic inspection without a technical reason.
What Should Homeowners and Property Buyers Do?
Homeowners and buyers should use an unsatisfactory EICR to understand which parts of the installation need attention and how serious the observations are. A C1 or C2 result should not be treated as a routine cosmetic issue simply because the property is not rented.
If an EICR forms part of a property purchase, the report can also help clarify the electrical work that may be needed after completion. The important point is to work from the actual observations and scope of the report rather than assuming that an older installation automatically needs complete replacement.
If the EICR contains limitations, exclusions or areas that could not be fully inspected, those should also be reviewed. An EICR only reports on the installation and extent covered by that inspection.
References & Standards
The current technical and landlord guidance used for this update includes:
- GOV.UK — Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors: guidance.
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) — BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 and the 2026 changes affecting EICR classification wording.
- Electrical Safety First — Best Practice Guide 4 on electrical installation condition reporting and classification codes.
Need Help With an Unsatisfactory EICR?
If your report contains C1 or C2 observations, or you need help understanding what work is required next, RCD Electrical can assess the findings and arrange the relevant electrical work.
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