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Reasons an EICR May Be Unsatisfactory

1. Missing or Ineffective RCD Protection

An RCD provides additional protection against electric shock. The significance of missing protection depends on the circuit, its use and the risks identified. It can warrant different codes in different circumstances. Missing RCD protection is not automatically a C2 observation on every circuit.

2. Consumer-Unit Defects

An older or plastic consumer unit is not automatically an EICR failure. Heat damage, unsafe connections or inadequate protection need assessment. Replacement should be justified by the findings and appropriate remedial options.

3. Earthing and Bonding

These protective measures need to be assessed for the installation. The inspector checks whether required connections are present and effective. A size difference from newer standards alone does not determine the outcome.

4. Lighting-Circuit Safety

Lighting circuits also need assessment. The absence of a feature required for new work does not automatically make every existing circuit unsatisfactory.

See Electrical Safety First's guidance on condition reporting and classification codes.

5. General Wear and Tear

Even identical houses can produce different results due to:

• Tenant use and load on circuits
• DIY or alterations over the years
• Normal deterioration of sockets, switches, and connections

6. Defective Alterations or Repairs

Unsafe connections, unsuitable cables or incorrectly installed circuits can be found during inspection and testing. Work that looks tidy can still contain faults. The report should explain the observed problem and its significance; there is no single reason every property fails.

Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI

• C1: Danger present. Immediate action is needed to make the danger safe. Ask the electrician for urgent instructions; do not treat 28 days as a waiting period.
• C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is needed. A C1 or C2 observation makes the report unsatisfactory.
• C3: Improvement recommended. A C3 observation alone does not make the report unsatisfactory or prove the whole installation safe. Read the overall assessment and all other observations.
• FI: Further investigation. Check the report's wording and edition. The IET's Amendment 4:2026 guidance treats FI as advisory and says FI alone does not make a report unsatisfactory. Earlier reports may say investigation is required without delay. Ask the inspector to explain the follow-up and any safety concern.

Read the IET's 2026 explanation of further investigation.

What to Do After an Unsatisfactory EICR

1. Read the overall result, each observation and any stated deadlines.
2. Ask the inspector to explain the findings and the work needed. Keep the previous report available for comparison.
3. Deal immediately with dangerous findings and arrange the necessary repairs or investigation with a qualified electrician.
4. Obtain the appropriate written confirmation or certification for the work and keep it with the original report. Ask whether any further inspection is needed.

Landlords' Legal Duties for Electrical Safety

For rented homes covered by England's regulations, current government guidance requires necessary remedial or investigative work within 28 days of inspection, or any shorter period specified in the report. This duty is separate from how FI is classified in a particular edition. Do not ignore investigation that your report says is required.

Provide the report and written confirmation of completed work to the tenant and local council within 28 days of completion. The required documentation depends on the work undertaken.

Check government guidance on required work and documentation.

How to Get Help With Your EICR

If your EICR has highlighted issues and you're not sure what they mean, we can help.

We provide:

✅ Plain-English explanations of your report

✅ Competitive remedial works quotes

✅ Compliance certificates for your records

For local help, see our EICR service in Southampton and Winchester, or contact us to discuss your report.

Landlord EICR FAQ

Does my fuse board have to be replaced?

Not necessarily. Its age or casing alone does not decide the outcome. Ask which observations need action and why the proposed work is appropriate.

Why was this not picked up before?

Conditions, alterations, the inspection's extent and the recorded findings may differ. Ask the inspector to explain the specific difference. A newer edition of the regulations alone is not proof that the whole installation now needs replacing.

Will every property on my estate have the same issues?

Not necessarily. Even identical houses can test differently depending on tenant use, alterations, or natural wear and tear.

Do I have to fix every observation?

Read the code and the overall assessment together. C1 and C2 require action; C3 is an improvement recommendation. For FI, check the report's wording and ask what investigation is necessary. Follow the required-work deadlines explained above.

Does a failed EICR mean a full rewire?

The findings determine the remedial work. A report marked unsatisfactory does not itself prescribe a full rewire. Ask for a clear explanation of the defects and options before agreeing to work.

What if my report specifies an earlier inspection?

Follow the stated date rather than assuming every report lasts five years.

What happens if I ignore an unsatisfactory EICR?

Safety risks remain unresolved, and landlords can face enforcement. Current government guidance gives a maximum financial penalty of £40,000 for breaches of specified duties. An unsatisfactory report does not automatically mean a fine.

Useful Links for Landlords

• Government electrical safety guidance for rented homes in England
• Electrical Safety First: condition reporting and classification guidance
• IET: EICR myths and older installations
• IET: further investigation under Amendment 4:2026