Failed EICR Remedial Works: What Happens Next?

What an Unsatisfactory Report Means

An EICR is classified as Unsatisfactory when the inspector has recorded one or more C1, C2 or FI observations. A C1 means danger is present; a C2 means the installation is potentially dangerous; an FI means further investigation is required before the installation can be confirmed safe.

An Unsatisfactory report does not necessarily mean the property is immediately unsafe to occupy — that depends on the nature of the observations recorded. A C2 for lack of RCD protection on certain circuits may allow continued occupation while remedial works are arranged. A C1 for an immediately dangerous condition may mean a specific circuit needs to be isolated before the property is used.

Your inspector should explain the nature of each observation and give you a clear picture of how urgently each needs to be addressed.

The 28-Day Rule

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, you must arrange and complete remedial works within 28 days of the date of the Unsatisfactory EICR. If the report specifies a shorter timescale for any particular observation, that shorter timescale takes precedence.

The 28-day clock starts from the date the report is issued — not from when you receive it or when you read it. This means prompt action is important. Contacting your electrician to arrange the remedial works as soon as you receive the report gives you the maximum amount of time to schedule the work and deal with any tenant access issues.

Obtaining a Remedial Quotation

Remedial works are quoted and carried out separately from the EICR inspection itself. The EICR identifies what needs to be done; the remedial quote sets out the cost and scope of the work to fix it.

Reputable electricians will provide a clear written quotation that itemises the observations being addressed and the works required. This gives you a clear record of what is being done and why. Be cautious about quotations that are vague on scope or that promise to 'resolve all issues' without specifying what those issues are.

For straightforward remedial works — adding RCD protection, replacing a bonding conductor, addressing a specific accessory — the work can often be completed in a single visit. For more complex remediation involving circuit rewiring or significant work on the consumer unit, allow more time.

Documentation After Remedial Works

Once remedial works are complete, your electrician should provide written documentation confirming the works have been carried out. Depending on the scope of the work, this will typically be either an Electrical Installation Certificate (for new installation work) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (for minor additions or alterations).

In some cases, where the works carried out resolve all observations from the original EICR, the electrician may also issue a new EICR or an endorsement on the original report confirming that the installation is now Satisfactory. The approach varies between electricians and depends on the nature of the work.

• Obtain a written certificate confirming remedial works are complete
• Provide a copy to all tenants in the property
• Retain a copy with your compliance records for at least two years
• Have it available for the local authority if requested
• Note the date by which the next EICR is due (typically five years from the most recent Satisfactory inspection)

Providing Documentation to Tenants

You must provide your tenants with a copy of both the original Unsatisfactory EICR and the written confirmation of remedial works completion. The completion certificate should be provided within 28 days of the works being finished. Keeping copies of communications with tenants about compliance matters is good practice, particularly if there are any future disputes.

What If You Cannot Get the Work Done Within 28 Days?

If you have taken all reasonable steps to arrange remedial works and cannot complete them within 28 days — for example, because specialist equipment needs to be ordered or because the tenant has restricted access — you can write to your local authority explaining the situation. The council has discretion to allow an extension where you can show that you have acted promptly and the delay is outside your control.

This should not be used as a general strategy for deferring compliance. The regulations expect prompt action. But genuine practical obstacles do sometimes arise, and communicating with the local authority proactively is always better than simply missing the deadline and hoping it is not noticed.