Failing an EICR report can feel worrying, especially if you are a landlord with tenants already living in the property. The good news is that an unsatisfactory report does not always mean disaster — but it does mean you must act quickly. If you need qualified support, booking an experienced Electrician in London can help you understand the report, fix the issues, and restore compliance without unnecessary delay.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report checks whether the fixed electrical installation in a property is safe for continued use. When the report comes back as “unsatisfactory”, it means the electrician has found one or more issues that require remedial work or further investigation.
What Happens If You Fail an EICR Report UK?
If you fail an EICR report in the UK, the electrical installation has been judged unsatisfactory for continued use. This usually happens because the electrician has identified C1, C2 or FI observations. These codes indicate immediate danger, potential danger, or the need for further investigation.
For landlords, the failed report starts a compliance process. You must arrange the required remedial work or investigation within the timescale stated on the report. In most cases, this is within 28 days, unless the electrician specifies a shorter period because the risk is urgent.
A failed EICR should never be ignored. Even if the property appears to be working normally, hidden electrical faults can create fire risks, electric shock hazards and legal problems.
Simple answer: a failed EICR means the property needs electrical remedial work or further investigation before it can be treated as compliant.
Understanding the EICR Codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI
EICR reports use classification codes to explain how serious each issue is. Understanding these codes helps landlords know what needs urgent attention.
A C1 code means danger is present. This is the most serious category. It may involve exposed live parts, serious shock risk, or another immediate hazard. The electrician may need to make the danger safe before leaving the property.
A C2 code means the issue is potentially dangerous. It may not be causing immediate harm, but it could become dangerous under fault conditions. C2 observations make the EICR unsatisfactory and must be fixed.
An FI code means further investigation is required without delay. The electrician cannot confirm safety until the issue has been investigated properly.
A C3 code means improvement is recommended. A C3 alone does not usually cause the EICR to fail, but it should still be considered as part of good property maintenance.
What Landlords Must Do After a Failed EICR
Once an EICR fails, landlords should act immediately. The first step is to read the report carefully and identify the observations marked C1, C2 or FI.
Next, arrange remedial work with a qualified electrician. The work must be completed within the required deadline. If the report states urgent action is needed sooner than 28 days, that shorter deadline should be followed.
After the work is completed, landlords should obtain written confirmation from the electrician. This may be an Electrical Installation Certificate, Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, satisfactory follow-up report, or another suitable written confirmation.
Landlords should keep the original failed EICR, the remedial paperwork, invoices, and communication with tenants. These records may be needed if the local council requests evidence of compliance.
Tenants should also be kept informed, especially if access is required or if electrical circuits need to be temporarily switched off during repairs.
Can You Rent a Property with a Failed EICR?
A rental property should not be treated as compliant if the EICR is unsatisfactory. If a landlord receives a failed report, the necessary remedial or investigative work must be completed before the property can be considered electrically safe for continued use.
If tenants are already living in the property, the landlord must arrange repairs promptly and within the legal timeframe. If a new tenancy is about to begin, it is sensible to complete the required work before the tenant moves in.
Failing to act can create serious problems. Local authorities can request copies of EICR reports, issue enforcement notices, arrange remedial works in some circumstances, recover costs from the landlord, and impose financial penalties.
A failed EICR may also affect insurance and tenancy disputes. If an electrical incident occurs and the landlord has not acted on a failed report, it may be difficult to show that reasonable steps were taken to protect the tenant.
Cost of Fixing a Failed EICR in London
The cost of fixing a failed EICR depends on the type and number of faults. Minor issues, such as replacing damaged accessories or improving labelling, may be relatively affordable. More complex work, such as replacing a consumer unit, upgrading bonding, rewiring unsafe circuits or investigating hidden faults, will cost more.
Many landlords start by checking the EICR Certificate Cost in London so they can understand the inspection price before considering any remedial work. However, the inspection cost and repair cost are usually separate.
For landlords who need a straightforward starting point, 🏠 London Landlord EICR Certificates from £79.99 ⚡ can help with arranging testing and identifying what needs to be corrected.
The cheapest quote is not always the safest option. Electrical safety work should be completed properly, documented clearly, and carried out by someone competent. Poor remedial work may lead to another failed report later.
How to Avoid Future EICR Failures
The best way to avoid future EICR failures is to treat electrical safety as ongoing maintenance rather than a once-every-five-years task. Landlords should respond quickly to tenant reports of electrical problems and keep records of all electrical work.
Common warning signs include frequent tripping, flickering lights, hot sockets, buzzing switches, cracked fittings, burning smells, or old fuse boards without modern protection. These issues should be checked before they become more serious.
It is also sensible to arrange visual checks between tenancies. Tenants may accidentally damage sockets, overload extension leads, or leave fittings in poor condition. A quick inspection before a new tenant moves in can prevent larger problems later.
If the property is older, has had DIY electrical work, or has been extended over time, it may benefit from a more detailed electrical review before the next formal EICR.
Final Advice for UK Landlords After a Failed EICR
A failed EICR is not something to panic about, but it is something to take seriously. The report is there to highlight risks and give landlords a clear route back to compliance.
Act quickly, use a qualified electrician, keep written evidence, communicate with tenants, and make sure all C1, C2 and FI observations are resolved within the required timeframe.
Once the remedial work is complete, keep the paperwork with your property records and note the next inspection date. This helps protect your tenants, your property, and your legal position as a landlord.
For reliable testing, remedial work and ongoing landlord electrical safety support, working with professional London Electricians is the safest way to keep your rental property compliant and ready for occupation.