EICR for Landlords: Pass/Fail and What to Do Next

When your rental property has an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), the real work starts once the results land in your inbox. For landlords, understanding what the outcome means and what you must do next is essential for staying compliant and keeping tenants safe.

What a satisfactory vs unsatisfactory EICR means

An EICR result is usually shown as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. This is based on the electrician’s observations and the coding they give to any issues found.

A satisfactory report means no C1, C2 or FI codes were found. The installation is considered safe to remain in service, although there may still be advisory C3 recommendations you can improve over time.

An unsatisfactory report means at least one C1, C2 or FI code was recorded. Under the regulations for private rented sector properties in England, you must arrange remedial or further investigative work within the required timescales, and provide written evidence to your tenant and, if requested, the local authority.

Common reasons rental properties fail an EICR

Many landlords are surprised when a seemingly “working” installation fails. In practice, electricians are looking at safety and compliance rather than whether things turn on and off.

Typical causes of an unsatisfactory EICR in rented homes include:

• Lack of RCD protection for sockets, bathroom circuits or buried cables where current standards expect it

• Bonding issues, such as missing or undersized main bonding to gas and water services

• Deterioration with age, including cracked accessories, perished insulation or signs of overheating in the consumer unit

• DIY alterations or historic additions that have not been properly designed, tested or terminated

• Damaged accessories, for example broken sockets, exposed live parts or loose fittings

Some issues can be addressed with relatively minor remedial work, while others highlight that the installation is outdated and may need a new consumer unit or, in some cases, a rewire.

Understanding EICR codes and legal timeframes

The EICR will list each observation with a code. For landlords, it is helpful to focus on how these relate to your legal duties rather than the technical detail.

C1 means “danger present” and indicates an immediate risk of electric shock or fire. The electrician should make it safe on the day, and urgent corrective work is needed. C2 means “potentially dangerous” and also triggers the need for remedial work.

FI means “further investigation required”, usually where an issue is suspected but cannot be fully verified during the inspection. This still results in an unsatisfactory outcome until the investigation is completed.

Under the England regulations for private rented sector properties, landlords must ensure that remedial or investigative work is carried out within the period specified in the report, or within 28 days of the inspection if no period is stated. You must then obtain written confirmation that the work has been completed or that the installation is now safe.

Practical steps after a failed EICR

Clarify the scope and priority of remedial work

Ask the electrician to explain the findings in plain language and group them into urgent safety items, recommended upgrades and long term improvements. This helps you plan work sensibly around tenancies.

Where the EICR suggests replacement of the consumer unit or a rewire, you may want a clear written quote that separates mandatory safety items (to satisfy the report) from optional enhancements.

Agree a realistic timeline with your electrician

Discuss how quickly remedial work can be scheduled, allowing for tenant access and any parts that need to be ordered. Keep in mind the 28 day guideline, or the shorter period if the electrician has specified one.

For serious C1 hazards, you may need immediate isolation of circuits or temporary measures. In such cases, an emergency electrician service can be appropriate if your usual contractor is unavailable.

Paperwork to provide to tenants and agents

Once remedial work or further investigation is complete, the electrician should issue either a new EICR or a separate electrical installation certificate or minor works certificate, plus written confirmation that the installation is safe.

You must provide the latest EICR to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection and to new tenants before they move in. Letting agents should also hold copies so they can show compliance on your behalf.

Checklist for landlords before booking an EICR

A little preparation reduces disruption for tenants and helps the electrician carry out a thorough inspection efficiently.

Before you book, check the following:

• Do you have previous EICR or installation certificates available for reference?

• Can tenants provide access to all rooms, lofts, meters and the consumer unit on the agreed day?

• Are key appliances and circuits accessible, with furniture moved away from sockets where possible?

• Have you informed tenants about likely duration, power interruptions and any need for someone to be present?

• Is there safe access to any outbuildings, garages or garden supplies that form part of the installation?

Choosing a competent electrician for landlord EICR

For compliance with the England regulations, the inspection must be carried out by someone competent and suitably qualified. In practice, landlords should look for clear evidence of skills and experience.

Ask whether the electrician is registered with a recognised body such as NICEIC or NAPIT, and confirm they routinely carry out landlord EICR in occupied properties. This experience matters, as working around tenants and furnishings is different from testing an empty home.

It is sensible to request sample reports, ask how they handle urgent hazards they uncover on the day, and check how quickly they can provide the completed paperwork. Good communication and clear written findings are just as important as the technical work.

Planning ahead: next inspection dates and ongoing safety

In most private rented sector cases, EICRs are required at least every five years, or sooner if the previous report recommends a shorter interval. Make a note of the next inspection date as soon as you receive the report.

Between formal inspections, encourage tenants to report any electrical damage, tripping circuits or burning smells promptly. Addressing issues early reduces the risk of serious faults and can avoid more extensive remedial work at the next EICR.

What to do next: landlord decision tree

Once you have your EICR result, your options broadly fall into a few paths:

If the EICR is satisfactory: File the report with your letting paperwork, give copies to tenants and agents, and set a reminder for the next test date. Consider acting on any C3 recommendations as part of future improvement works.

If the EICR is unsatisfactory with limited C2 or FI issues: Arrange electrical testing and inspection follow-up plus targeted remedial work. This might involve circuit repairs, improving bonding or adding protection in specific areas.

If lack of RCDs or an outdated fuseboard is the main issue: Discuss a fuseboard upgrade with your electrician to bring the consumer unit up to modern standards, with residual current device protection where appropriate.

If the wiring is extensively deteriorated or heavily altered over time: A partial or full house rewire may be the safest long-term solution, planned around tenancy changes if possible.

If a C1 hazard or serious risk is identified: Circuits may need to be isolated immediately, and an emergency electrician should attend if the situation cannot wait. Once made safe, follow up with any required testing, repairs or upgrades.

If you need help interpreting an EICR result or planning the next steps for your rental property, contact Prolectrical Southern Ltd on 07973743484 for landlord focused electrical testing, remedial work and upgrades.landlord-focused