What Happens if Your Property Fails an EICR?

Receiving an unsatisfactory EICR report can feel alarming. It does not have to be. A failed EICR is a professional assessment telling you exactly what needs to be fixed and how urgently. In most cases, the remedial work is straightforward, and your property can be brought into compliance quickly. Here is what to expect and what to do.

What does it mean to fail an EICR

An EICR produces a result of either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. A satisfactory result means the installation meets the required standard, although there may be C3 observations recommending improvements that are not legally required.

An unsatisfactory result means the inspection identified one or more C1 findings (danger present), C2 findings (potentially dangerous), or FI findings (requiring further investigation). Any of these make the report unsatisfactory.

C1: immediate danger

A C1 finding means there is an immediate risk of injury from the electrical installation. The inspector may make the specific hazard safe before leaving the property. You must arrange remedial work immediately. This is not a situation where a 28-day window applies. Common C1 findings include live conductors that are accessible, missing protective covers on distribution equipment, and direct contact risks.

C2: potentially dangerous

A C2 finding means the installation has a fault that could cause danger if it deteriorates or is used in certain conditions. The 28-day remediation rule applies to C2 findings under the residential landlord regulations. Common C2 findings include absent or inadequate earthing or bonding, damaged wiring insulation, circuits without appropriate protection, and consumer units that do not meet current standards.

The 28-day rule for landlords

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must carry out remedial work specified in an unsatisfactory EICR within 28 days of the inspection date. Written confirmation of the completion of remedial work must be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the work being done, and to the local authority within 28 days if they request it.

28 days is not as long as it sounds. Booking a contractor, obtaining parts, and completing the work can take most of that window, particularly in busy periods. If you receive an unsatisfactory EICR, start the remediation process immediately rather than waiting.

What if the tenant refuses access for remedial work

The Renters Rights Act 2025 introduced a statutory reasonable steps defence for landlords who can demonstrate they took all reasonable steps to gain access for remedial work but were refused by the tenant. This requires documented evidence: written requests, offered appointments, and a clear record of attempts. If you face this situation, keep detailed written records of every contact.

Can I carry out the remedial work myself

Only if you are a qualified and registered electrician. For most landlords, the answer is no. Electrical remedial work following an EICR must be carried out by a competent person and documented appropriately. Using an unqualified person to carry out the work does not satisfy the legal requirement.

M&E Contrax carries out EICR remedial work

If your property fails an EICR carried out by M&E Contrax, we provide a clear quote for all remedial work and can typically carry out straightforward work on the same day or within a day or two. For more complex remedial programmes, we schedule the work to meet the 28-day deadline.

If your property has failed an EICR carried out by another contractor and you need a second opinion or a competitive quote for the remedial work, we are happy to review the report and provide a quote for the specified works. Please feel free to call us on 01364 654271, or for non-urgent enquiries you can also contact us here.

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Written by David Moore, M&E Installations Manager, M&E Contrax. Last reviewed: June 2026.

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