What Happens If You Fail an EICR Inspection?
If you fail an EICR inspection, it means a qualified electrician has found one or more issues with your property’s electrical installation that need attention. However, failing an EICR is more common than most people think, and it does not necessarily mean your property is dangerous. In fact, many of the faults we uncover across Manchester and Greater Manchester properties are straightforward to resolve — provided you act quickly and use an experienced, NICEIC approved contractor.
Whether you are a homeowner, a landlord or a letting agent, understanding exactly what happens after a failed EICR will help you take the right steps, stay compliant and keep your tenants or family safe.
What Does It Mean to Fail an EICR Inspection?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of your property’s fixed wiring and electrical systems. A qualified engineer tests everything from your consumer unit and circuits to sockets, light fittings and earthing arrangements — all against the current BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations).
At the end of the inspection, your electrician issues a report with an overall outcome. There are two possible results:
- Satisfactory — your installation meets current safety standards. No urgent action is required.
- Unsatisfactory — one or more faults have been identified that require remedial work. This is what people commonly refer to as “failing” the EICR.
An unsatisfactory result does not mean your entire electrical system is condemned. It simply means specific issues need fixing before the installation can be signed off as safe.
Understanding EICR Observation Codes: C1, C2 and C3
When you fail an EICR inspection, every fault is classified with a code that indicates its severity. Understanding these codes is essential because they determine how urgently you need to act.
C1 — Danger Present
A C1 code means there is an immediate risk of injury or electric shock. Examples include exposed live wiring, a damaged consumer unit or missing earthing. Your electrician should make the issue safe immediately — often by isolating the affected circuit on the spot. As a result, this is the most serious classification and requires instant attention.
C2 — Potentially Dangerous
A C2 code means the fault could become dangerous under certain conditions. Common C2 observations include outdated wiring that no longer meets regulations, lack of RCD protection or inadequate bonding. Although the risk is not immediate, you must arrange remedial works as soon as possible — typically within 28 days for rental properties.
C3 — Improvement Recommended
A C3 code highlights areas where the installation could be improved but does not present a safety risk. For example, older accessories that still function but no longer meet the latest edition of the regulations. Importantly, C3 observations alone will not cause you to fail an EICR. They are advisory recommendations only.
FI — Further Investigation Required
An FI code means the electrician could not fully assess a particular area during the inspection. This might happen if access was restricted or if additional testing is needed. Further investigation should be carried out promptly to rule out hidden issues.
What Happens Next After You Fail an EICR?
Once the inspection is complete, your electrician will provide you with the full EICR report. This document lists every observation, its code and the affected circuits. Here is what happens next, step by step:
- Review the report carefully. Your electrician should walk you through each observation and explain what needs fixing. At Manchester Compliance, we always take the time to explain findings in plain English.
- Get a quote for remedial works. In many cases, the same contractor who carried out the inspection can also complete the repairs. This saves time and avoids duplication. Check our pricing page for transparent costs.
- Complete the remedial works. All C1 and C2 faults must be rectified by a qualified, Part P registered electrician.
- Re-inspection and sign-off. After repairs are completed, the electrician re-tests the affected circuits and updates the EICR to reflect a satisfactory outcome.
The entire process — from failed EICR to satisfactory sign-off — can often be completed within a matter of days when you work with an efficient team.
Deadlines for Landlords Who Fail an EICR Inspection
Since 1 April 2021, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 have made EICRs a legal requirement for all privately rented properties in England. If your rental property receives an unsatisfactory EICR, here are the key deadlines you must follow:
- Within 28 days — you must complete all remedial works to address C1 and C2 observations (unless the report specifies a shorter timeframe for C1 dangers).
- Within 28 days of completion — you must provide written confirmation of the completed works to your tenants and your local authority (if they requested the EICR).
- Supply to tenants — you must give a copy of the EICR to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in.
Failure to meet these deadlines can lead to enforcement action. Consequently, acting quickly is not just good practice — it is a legal obligation for landlords across Manchester and the wider North West.
What Happens If You Ignore a Failed EICR?
Ignoring a failed EICR is a serious mistake, regardless of whether you are a homeowner or a landlord. Here are the potential consequences:
For Landlords
- Fines up to £30,000 — local authorities can issue civil penalty notices for non-compliance with the electrical safety regulations.
- Remedial action notices — the local council can instruct an approved contractor to carry out the work and charge the cost back to you.
- Invalidated insurance — your landlord insurance may not cover claims if your property lacks a valid, satisfactory EICR.
- Liability for injury — if a tenant is harmed by an electrical fault you knew about and failed to fix, you could face criminal prosecution.
For Homeowners
- Safety risk to your family — electrical faults cause thousands of house fires across the UK every year. Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes.
- Insurance implications — home insurance policies typically require your electrics to be maintained to a safe standard.
- Difficulties selling — buyers and solicitors increasingly request EICR certificates during property transactions. An unsatisfactory report can delay or derail a sale.
Therefore, whether the law compels you or common sense guides you, addressing a failed EICR promptly is always the right decision.
Common Reasons Properties Fail an EICR in Manchester
After completing thousands of EICRs across Manchester and Greater Manchester, our engineers see certain issues more frequently than others. The most common reasons properties fail include:
- No RCD protection — older consumer units without residual current devices are the single most common cause of failure.
- Deteriorated wiring — rubber or lead-sheathed cables found in pre-1960s properties degrade over time and present a fire risk.
- Lack of earthing or bonding — missing or inadequate protective conductors to gas and water pipes.
- Overloaded circuits — circuits serving too many outlets or appliances, often caused by DIY extensions.
- Non-fire-rated downlights — incorrectly installed downlights in ceilings that form part of a fire barrier.
- Damaged accessories — cracked sockets, missing faceplates or exposed terminals.
Many of these issues are relatively inexpensive to fix. In some cases, however, older properties with extensive wiring problems may benefit from a full house rewire rather than piecemeal repairs.
How Manchester Compliance Helps You Fix a Failed EICR Fast
At Manchester Compliance, we specialise in helping homeowners, landlords and letting agents resolve failed EICRs quickly and affordably. Here is why hundreds of property owners across the North West trust us:
- NICEIC approved contractor — our work is regularly assessed to ensure it meets the highest industry standards.
- Same-team approach — the engineers who carry out your EICR can also complete the remedial works, which eliminates delays and miscommunication.
- Fast turnaround — we understand landlord deadlines. Our team regularly completes remedial works and re-inspections within days, not weeks.
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. We provide clear, itemised quotes before any work begins. Visit our pricing page for guidance.
- Full certification — all remedial work comes with the appropriate BS 7671 certification and updated EICR documentation.
Whether you need a simple consumer unit upgrade or a complete rewire, we handle it all in-house. We cover Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Bolton, Bury, Trafford and the entire Greater Manchester area. Check our areas page to confirm we cover your postcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still rent my property with a failed EICR?
Legally, you must complete remedial works within 28 days and provide evidence to your tenants. You can continue to rent during this period, but you must act within the deadline or face enforcement action.
How much does it cost to fix a failed EICR?
Costs vary depending on the faults identified. A consumer unit replacement typically starts from around £500, while minor repairs may cost considerably less. We always provide a fixed quote before starting work.
Do I need to use the same electrician for repairs?
No, but using the same contractor streamlines the process. They already understand the faults and can re-test efficiently. Visit our FAQ page for more common questions.
Failed an EICR? We Can Fix It Fast
Manchester Compliance resolves failed EICRs quickly and affordably. NICEIC approved, transparent pricing and fast turnaround across Greater Manchester.
Published March 2026 by Manchester Compliance Ltd. This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified electrician for advice specific to your property.