What Happens When an EICR Fails? A Guide for Surrey Landlords and Homeowners
An EICR (what is an EICR?) does not simply pass or fail in the way a MOT does. Instead, it grades any defects found using a classification system that tells you how serious each issue is and what action is required. Here is what each classification means, what your legal obligations are, and what to expect from the remedial process.
Understanding the classification codes
Every defect identified during an EICR is given one of four classifications.
C1 means danger is present. There is an immediate risk of injury and the electrician is required to make the installation safe before leaving the premises where possible. A C1 finding means the EICR has failed and remedial work is required urgently - in most cases before the property can be safely used or occupied.
C2 means potentially dangerous. The installation has a defect that could become dangerous. The EICR has failed and remedial works are required. For landlords, C2 findings must be remediated within 28 days of the inspection report being issued.
C3 means improvement recommended. A C3 finding does not cause the EICR to fail. The installation does not meet current standards but does not present an immediate danger. Remedial work is recommended but not legally required.
FI means further investigation required. The inspector could not fully assess a part of the installation and further investigation is needed before the report can be completed.
What landlords must do after a failed EICR
For private landlords in England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 set out clear legal obligations following a failed inspection.
Remedial works identified as C1 or C2 must be completed within 28 days of the inspection report, or within the shorter period specified in the report. Once works are complete, the landlord must obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the remedial work has been carried out and provide a copy to the tenant within 28 days. A copy must also be provided to the local housing authority on request.
Failure to carry out remedial works within the required timeframe exposes the landlord to a civil penalty of up to £30,000.
What homeowners should do after a failed EICR
For homeowners there is no statutory deadline equivalent to the landlord regulations (Landlords Guide to EICR). However, a failed EICR with C1 or C2 findings represents a genuine safety risk that should be addressed promptly. Many home insurance policies require the property to be maintained safely - an unaddressed C1 or C2 finding is a potential problem on any subsequent insurance claim involving electrical faults or fire.
If you are selling a property, a failed EICR is likely to be flagged during conveyancing. Completing remedial works and obtaining a satisfactory report before marketing removes a potential barrier to sale.
What remedial works typically involve
The nature of remedial works depends entirely on what the EICR found. Common findings and their typical remediation include the following.
No RCD protection requires a consumer unit upgrade to a modern unit with full RCD or RCBO protection across all circuits. This is one of the most common findings on older installations.
Damaged or deteriorated wiring requires replacement of the affected circuits or, in cases of widespread deterioration, a partial or full rewire.
Inadequate earthing requires an earthing upgrade, which may involve work at the meter tails or main earthing conductor.
Overloaded circuits require redistribution of circuits or additional circuit provision to reduce loading to within safe limits.
Absence of surge protection requires installation of a surge protection device, typically fitted at the consumer unit.
Getting a satisfactory EICR after remedial works
Once remedial works are complete, the electrician provides written confirmation that the works have been carried out. For landlords, this written confirmation together with the original EICR forms the compliance documentation required by the regulations. A new full EICR is not always required immediately after remedial works, though many landlords choose to commission one to confirm the installation is fully satisfactory.
MS Electrical Solutions carries out EICR inspections and all remedial works across Surrey and West Sussex, with same-day digital certification. All work is NAPIT accredited and already qualified to the October 2026 standard. Call Mark on 07508 224603 or email mark@mselectricalsolutions.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if my EICR fails?
An EICR fails when the inspection identifies C1 or C2 findings. C1 means danger is present and requires immediate action. C2 means potentially dangerous and must be remediated within 28 days for landlords. A C3 observation does not cause a failure but recommends improvement.
How long do I have to fix a failed EICR as a landlord?
Landlords in England must complete remedial works identified as C1 or C2 within 28 days of the inspection report being issued, or within the shorter period specified in the report. Failure to do so can result in a civil penalty of up to £30,000.
Do I need a new EICR after remedial works?
Not always. The electrician who carries out the remedial works provides written confirmation that the work has been completed, which forms part of the compliance documentation alongside the original report. A new full EICR may be recommended depending on the extent of the works.
What are the most common reasons an EICR fails?
The most common C1 and C2 findings include absence of RCD protection, damaged or deteriorated wiring, inadequate earthing, overloaded circuits and absence of surge protection. Many relate to installations that were compliant when originally installed but no longer meet current standards.
Can MS Electrical Solutions carry out EICR remedial works in Surrey?
Yes. We carry out EICR inspections and all associated remedial works across Surrey and West Sussex including Horley, Crawley, Redhill, Reigate, including consumer unit upgrades, rewiring, earthing improvements and surge protection installation. All work is NAPIT certified with documentation issued on completion. Call 07508 224603.
