Unsatisfactory EICR: What Landlords Must Do Next

Getting an EICR back marked "unsatisfactory" can be unsettling, especially if you weren't expecting problems. The good news is that the next steps are clearly set out in law, and most issues can be put right quickly. This guide explains what an unsatisfactory result means, the deadlines you need to meet in England, and how to show you've done everything required.

What makes a report unsatisfactory

Each problem the electrician finds is given a code:

• C1: danger present. There's a risk of injury right now. You must act immediately.
• C2: potentially dangerous. You must act.
• FI: further investigation needed. The electrician couldn't confirm whether something is safe. You must act.
• C3: improvement recommended. You don't have to act, but it's good practice.

If the report has any C1, C2 or FI codes, the overall result is unsatisfactory. A report with only C3 codes is still satisfactory.

With a C1, the electrician will often make the danger safe on the day, for example by isolating a circuit. They'll tell you what they've done and what still needs fixing.

The 28-day deadline

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, you must have remedial work or further investigation carried out by a qualified person within 28 days of the inspection. If the report gives a shorter deadline, you must meet that instead.

If a further investigation shows more work is needed, that work also has to be done within 28 days of the investigation, or sooner if the electrician says so.

Don't wait for the deadline. Book the work as soon as you receive the report, especially for C1 and C2 items.

Getting written confirmation

When the work is finished, the electrician who did it should give you written confirmation that it's complete and the installation now meets the required standard. This is usually an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, depending on the work.

Within 28 days of the work being completed, you must send:

• The written confirmation.
• The original EICR that required the work.

Both go to:

• Each tenant, and
• Your local housing authority.

Many landlords forget the local authority, but it's a legal requirement. Keep a record of when and how you sent it, such as the email you sent or proof of posting.

Do you need a new EICR?

Usually, no. The original EICR together with the completion certificate shows that the installation is now safe. Your next inspection is due on the date given in the original report, which is up to five years from the inspection.

If your tenant won't give access

Sometimes the work can't be done because the tenant won't let the electrician in. You won't be in breach of the remedial duty if you can show you took all reasonable steps to comply. Keep a record of every attempt to arrange access, including the dates, messages and appointments offered.

What happens if you don't act

If a local authority believes you haven't met your duties, it can serve a remedial notice requiring you to carry out the work. In some cases, it can arrange the work itself and recover the cost from you. It can also impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 for each breach.

Beyond the fines, an unresolved C1 or C2 is a real risk to your tenants' safety.

Getting the remedial work done

• Ask for an itemised quote that links each item to its code in the report.
• Use a different electrician if you prefer. You don't have to use the one who carried out the inspection.
• Question anything unclear. A good electrician will explain why each item is coded as it is. If you think a code is wrong, ask another qualified electrician for a second opinion before the deadline.
• Keep everything together: the report, the quotes, the completion certificate and proof you sent copies to your tenants and the council.

Rules in Scotland and Wales

Landlords in Scotland and Wales also need electrical inspections at least every five years, but the rules and deadlines are set by different legislation. Check your local government guidance if you let property outside England.

How RentalComply can help

You can book a verified electrician for your EICR, or for a follow-up inspection after remedial work, at a fixed price shown before you book. Every report is stored in your dashboard, ready to share with tenants and your local authority when you need to.

Book an EICR or read EICR explained: what landlords need to know.

For a step-by-step guide, including what to do if a tenant won't give access and the penalties for not acting, read Unsatisfactory EICR: what landlords must do next.