An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of any property in London. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or managing agent, the results of your EICR can either confirm your property is safe—or highlight serious faults. So, can a property fail an EICR? Absolutely. But what does that actually mean, and what happens next?
At RCD Electrical, we carry out thorough and regulation-compliant EICR inspections across London. This article explains the reasons a property might fail, the implications of such a result, and how our qualified electricians help you get back to compliance swiftly and safely.
Can a Property Actually Fail an EICR?
Yes, a property can absolutely fail an EICR inspection. The term “fail” means the report has uncovered one or more faults serious enough to require urgent or mandatory remedial work. An EICR is graded based on electrical safety codes, and certain findings automatically signal non-compliance:
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C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk of injury or fire; action must be taken without delay.
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C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Not immediately hazardous but could become so if left unaddressed.
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FI (Further Investigation Required): The cause of a potential problem needs further exploration before safety can be confirmed.
If any of these codes appear in your report, your EICR is considered unsatisfactory.
Why Do Properties Fail EICRs?
Even well-maintained buildings can fail an EICR if certain conditions exist. Common reasons include:
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Outdated wiring: Especially common in older London homes that still rely on obsolete materials like rubber or aluminium wiring.
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Lack of RCD protection: If your circuits don’t include Residual Current Devices (RCDs), especially in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
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Overloaded circuits: Too many appliances or devices pulling power from a single circuit.
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DIY or poor-quality electrical work: Non-certified or dangerous modifications made by unqualified individuals.
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Missing bonding and earthing: Essential for electrical safety, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Our electricians at RCD Electrical often find that landlords or new buyers are unaware of these issues until an EICR uncovers them.
What Happens if a Property Fails Its EICR?
A failed EICR doesn’t mean your home is doomed—it simply means work is needed. The process from this point usually follows several key steps:
1. You Receive a Detailed Report
RCD Electrical provides you with a clear and easy-to-read report. Each issue is categorised with the relevant code (C1, C2, FI), and we explain their implications in plain English.
2. Remedial Work Is Required
Any C1 or C2 issue must be rectified before the property can be considered safe and legally compliant. Our NICEIC-approved electricians can carry out these repairs quickly and cost-effectively.
3. Follow-up Testing
Once all issues are resolved, we retest the affected areas. A new, satisfactory EICR will then be issued, confirming the property is electrically safe.
4. Landlords Must Act Within 28 Days
If you’re a landlord in London, legal regulations require you to remedy any issues within 28 days (or sooner, if specified in the report). RCD Electrical ensures your compliance is met well within this timeframe.
The RCD Electrical Difference
We know how stressful a failed EICR can be, especially if you're facing deadlines, tenancies, or property sales. That’s why RCD Electrical offers:
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Same-day or next-day inspections
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Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
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Full remedial services from our NICEIC-approved team
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Free follow-up certification upon completion of works
We treat each property with care, ensuring every installation meets British Standards (BS 7671) and safety expectations.
Why It Matters: Compliance, Safety & Peace of Mind
For homeowners, an EICR offers confidence that your family is safe from hidden electrical risks. For landlords, it's a legal duty that could mean fines or invalidated insurance if ignored. A failed EICR isn’t the end of the world—but doing nothing about it could be.
RCD Electrical ensures your property doesn’t just meet the minimum—but exceeds safety expectations. With decades of experience across London boroughs, we’re the trusted choice for homeowners, landlords, and letting agents alike.
Need Help After a Failed EICR? Call Us Today!
Don’t delay repairs or risk compliance issues. Book your EICR or remedial work with RCD Electrical by calling 02034882928 or emailing info@rcdelectrician.co.uk. Fast service, expert advice, and certified results—always.