Unsatisfactory EICR? What Happens Next and the 28 Day Deadline

An EICR marked "unsatisfactory" worries a lot of London landlords, but it is common and usually quick to put right. This guide explains what the result means, the time limits landlords in England have to work to, and how to get from an unsatisfactory report to a clean one.

What makes an EICR unsatisfactory

Every item found during an inspection is given a code. A report is unsatisfactory if it contains any of these:

• C1, danger present. A risk of injury right now, such as exposed live parts. The electrician should make it safe before leaving.
• C2, potentially dangerous. Not an immediate danger, but could become one, such as no earth on a circuit or missing main bonding.
• FI, further investigation. Something needs looking into before it can be coded, such as a circuit that cannot be traced.

C3 items are recommendations only. A report with C3s and nothing worse is still satisfactory.

The 28 day rule for landlords

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, when a report shows remedial work or further investigation is needed, the landlord must have it carried out within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so. After the work is done, the landlord must get written confirmation from the electrician and send it to the tenant and the local council within 28 days of the work being finished. Councils can take action and issue penalties where landlords do not comply, so it is worth booking the work as soon as the report arrives.

The most common fixes

• Fitting RCD protection, often by upgrading an old fuse board to a modern consumer unit.
• Adding or upgrading main bonding to gas and water pipes.
• Replacing damaged sockets, switches and light fittings.
• Tracing and correcting circuits that share a neutral.
• Making safe old wiring found in lofts and under floors.

Many of these are done in a day. Our guide to what a C2 on an EICR looks like in London flats goes through real examples.

Do you need a whole new EICR?

Usually not. Once the remedial work is complete, the electrician issues certificates for the work done, such as a Minor Works Certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate for a new consumer unit. Together with the original report, these show the installation is now satisfactory. The five year date on the original report still stands.

Getting it sorted quickly

Energy North Ltd carries out EICR inspections and remedial work across North, East and West London. Our City & Guilds certified electricians can usually attend within 48 hours, we give a fixed quote for any remedial work before starting, and certificates are emailed the same day. Many landlords also use the visit to plan an EV charger installation for tenants with off street parking.