Failed EICR? What Landlords in Newcastle and Gateshead Need to Do Next

Receiving an unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report can be worrying, particularly if you are unsure what the observations mean, which repairs are necessary or how quickly the work needs to be completed.

For landlords, letting agents and property managers across Newcastle, Gateshead and Tyne and Wear, understanding the next steps is essential to protecting tenants, maintaining compliance and avoiding unnecessary delays.

The good news is that a failed EICR does not automatically mean a property needs rewiring or that every recommendation listed on the report must be completed. In many cases, the issues can be resolved through targeted remedial works carried out by a suitably qualified electrician.

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly referred to as an EICR, assesses the condition and safety of a property’s fixed electrical installation.

The inspection can include:

- Consumer units and protective devices. - Electrical circuits and associated wiring. - Sockets, switches and light fittings. - Main earthing and protective bonding. - Permanently connected equipment, such as electric showers and extractor fans. - Signs of damage, deterioration, overheating or unsafe electrical alterations.

The purpose of the inspection is to identify defects that may present a risk of electric shock, fire or other electrical hazards.

For landlords, an EICR provides documented evidence of the condition of the electrical installation and identifies any work required to maintain safety.

What Does an Unsatisfactory EICR Mean?

An EICR is classified as unsatisfactory when the inspection identifies dangerous or potentially dangerous defects, or issues that require further investigation.

However, an unsatisfactory report does not necessarily mean that the entire electrical installation is unsafe or needs replacing.

Each observation is assigned a classification code that explains its severity and whether action is required.

Understanding these codes helps landlords distinguish between essential repairs and recommended improvements. Understanding EICR Codes

C1: Danger Present

A C1 observation identifies an immediate danger and a risk of injury.

Examples may include:

- Exposed live electrical conductors. - Accessible live parts inside damaged electrical equipment. - Severely damaged sockets or switches presenting an immediate shock risk. - Unsafe connections that leave occupants exposed to danger.

C1 observations require immediate action.

Depending on the circumstances, the electrician may need to isolate the affected circuit or make the equipment safe before leaving the property.

C2: Potentially Dangerous

A C2 observation identifies a potentially dangerous condition that requires urgent remedial action.

Examples may include:

- Serious defects in earthing or protective bonding. - Electrical equipment inadequately protected against access to live parts. - Damaged electrical accessories or wiring. - Protective measures that are unsuitable for the conditions present. - Electrical faults that could become dangerous under normal use or fault conditions.

A C2 observation will result in an unsatisfactory EICR and must be addressed within the required timeframe.

FI: Further Investigation Required

An FI observation means that a potential issue has been identified, but additional investigation is necessary to establish the nature or extent of the problem.

Examples may include:

- Unusual test results indicating a possible wiring fault. - Abnormally high resistance readings on an electrical circuit. - Suspected loose connections. - Evidence of a fault that could not be fully located during the inspection. - Circuits or wiring arrangements that require further assessment.

Further investigation should be completed without delay so that the underlying issue can be identified and, where necessary, rectified.

C3: Improvement Recommended

A C3 observation identifies an improvement that is recommended but is not required for the report to be classified as satisfactory.

A property can receive a satisfactory EICR while still containing C3 recommendations.

For example, an installation may not incorporate every feature found in a newly installed electrical system, but this does not automatically mean it is unsafe.

Landlords may choose to complete recommended improvements to improve safety or reliability, but these should not automatically be presented as essential remedial works.

How Long Do Landlords Have to Complete EICR Remedial Works?

Where an EICR identifies remedial works or further investigation that must be completed, landlords must normally arrange for the work to be carried out within 28 days.

However, the report may specify a shorter timeframe depending on the severity of the defect.

This means landlords should not assume that they always have a full 28 days to act.

Immediate hazards may require the affected circuit or equipment to be isolated or made safe straight away, while other urgent defects may need to be addressed sooner than the standard 28-day period.

Once the necessary works have been completed, the landlord must obtain appropriate written confirmation from the qualified person who carried them out.

Depending on the nature of the work, this may include:

- A satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report. - An Electrical Installation Certificate. - A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. - Other appropriate written confirmation or electrical certification.

The relevant report and written confirmation must then be supplied to the tenant and local authority within the applicable timeframe.

Current government guidance states that local authorities may impose financial penalties of up to £40,000 for certain breaches of electrical safety duties. [Government guidance on electrical safety standards in rented properties](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-and-social-rented-sectors-guidance/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-and-social-rented-sectors-guidance)

Common Reasons Rental Properties Fail an EICR

Unsatisfactory electrical reports can arise from a wide range of defects.

Some of the issues commonly identified include:

- Missing or inadequate protective earthing. - Missing, damaged or undersized protective bonding. - Loose, damaged or poorly secured sockets and switches. - Exposed conductors or inadequately enclosed electrical connections. - Openings in consumer units that allow access to live parts. - Incorrectly installed or unsuitable protective devices. - Damaged wiring or deteriorated electrical accessories. - Signs of overheating, burning or water damage. - Faults on ring final circuits. - Incorrectly installed bathroom lighting or electrical equipment. - Unsafe alterations or poor-quality DIY electrical work. - Unexplained test results requiring further investigation.

The appropriate repair will depend on the observations recorded, the condition of the installation and the findings of any additional investigation.

In some cases, a fault may be resolved by replacing a damaged accessory or reconnecting a loose conductor. In others, more extensive work may be needed to restore the safety of the electrical installation.

Does a Failed EICR Mean the Property Needs Rewiring?

Not necessarily.

A failed EICR does not automatically mean that a property requires a complete rewire.

Many unsatisfactory observations can be resolved through targeted remedial works, such as:

- Replacing damaged sockets or switches. - Improving electrical connections. - Reconnecting protective conductors. - Installing suitable mechanical protection. - Rectifying defective protective bonding. - Repairing or replacing damaged electrical accessories. - Investigating abnormal circuit test results. - Upgrading specific protective devices where required.

A full or partial rewire may be necessary where wiring is significantly deteriorated, extensive defects are present or the installation cannot be made safe through individual repairs.

However, this should be based on the actual condition of the installation and the findings of the inspection, rather than the assumption that an unsatisfactory report automatically means the entire property needs rewiring.

Does an Old Consumer Unit Automatically Fail an EICR?

No. The age of a consumer unit does not automatically determine whether an installation is satisfactory.

The electrician must consider the condition of the consumer unit, the protective devices installed, the characteristics of the circuits and any risks identified during inspection and testing.

An older consumer unit may still be serviceable in some circumstances. However, other installations may require improvements due to damaged equipment, inadequate protection, unsuitable arrangements or defects affecting the safety of the circuits.

Where replacement is required, a modern consumer unit incorporating individual RCBO protection can improve safety and reduce disruption by allowing faults to affect only the relevant circuit.

Surge protection may also be recommended or required depending on the circumstances of the installation and the work being undertaken.

The decision to replace a consumer unit should be based on a proper assessment of the installation rather than its age alone.

What Should Landlords Do After Receiving an Unsatisfactory EICR?

1. Check the Observation Codes

Review the report and identify any C1, C2 or FI observations.

These are the items that require immediate action, remedial works or further investigation.

Separate these from C3 recommendations, which do not automatically need to be completed to achieve a satisfactory report.

1. Confirm Whether Any Immediate Risks Have Been Made Safe

If a C1 observation has been recorded, check whether the affected circuit, accessory or equipment has been isolated or otherwise made safe.

Make sure the tenant understands any restrictions on using affected electrical equipment.

1. Request a Clear Remedial Quotation

Ask for a quotation that identifies the works required to address the unsatisfactory observations.

The quotation should clearly distinguish between:

- Essential remedial works. - Further investigative works. - Optional improvements. - Additional upgrades that are recommended but not required.

This helps prevent confusion and allows landlords to make informed decisions.

1. Arrange Access Promptly

Contact the tenant as soon as possible to arrange access for the necessary works.

Delays in obtaining access can make it more difficult to complete the repairs within the required timeframe.

For letting agents and property managers, working with an electrical contractor who can liaise directly with tenants can help reduce administration and avoid unnecessary chasing.

1. Obtain Appropriate Certification

Once the works have been completed, make sure the electrician provides the correct certification or written confirmation.

Depending on the nature of the work, this may include a satisfactory EICR, an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

1. Keep Your Records Together

Retain copies of:

- The original EICR. - Any remedial quotations. - Certification or written confirmation following completion. - Correspondence with the tenant. - Any relevant communication with the local authority.

Keeping these documents together makes it easier to demonstrate that the necessary action was taken.

Do Landlords Need a New EICR for Every New Tenancy?

Not always.

If a property already has a valid satisfactory EICR, a new inspection is not automatically required simply because a new tenant is moving in.

The existing report must remain valid and must not require unresolved remedial works or further investigation.

A copy of the report should be provided to the incoming tenant before they occupy the property.

However, landlords should still consider the condition of the installation between formal inspections. If damage, deterioration or electrical faults are identified, further inspection or repair may be needed before the next scheduled EICR.

How Often Should a Rental Property Have an EICR?

In general, the electrical installation in a rented property should be inspected and tested at least every five years.

However, an electrician may recommend a shorter inspection interval depending on the condition of the installation, the type of property or other relevant factors.

For example, an older installation, a property with previous electrical issues or a heavily used rental property may require an earlier inspection.

Landlords should always check the recommended date of the next inspection recorded on the existing report.

Can Another Electrician Complete the Remedial Works?

Yes.

The remedial works do not necessarily need to be completed by the electrician who carried out the original inspection.

However, any contractor undertaking the work should be suitably qualified and should provide appropriate certification or written confirmation for the repairs completed.

The electrician carrying out the remedial works may also need to review the original EICR and undertake additional testing where necessary to confirm that the identified issues have been resolved.

EICR Support for Letting Agents and Property Managers

Managing electrical compliance across multiple rental properties can become time-consuming when inspections, quotations, tenant access and certification are handled separately.

A suitable electrical contractor can help simplify the process by providing:

- EICR inspections and electrical testing. - Clear quotations following unsatisfactory reports. - Direct tenant liaison and appointment arrangements. - Electrical fault-finding and further investigation. - Essential remedial works. - Consumer unit upgrades where necessary. - Certification and written confirmation following completion. - Ongoing support for managed property portfolios.

For letting agents and property managers, the aim is to resolve electrical issues promptly while keeping tenants informed and maintaining the correct compliance records.

Need Help With a Failed EICR in Newcastle or Gateshead?

Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd supports landlords, letting agents and property managers throughout Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Low Fell and the wider Tyne and Wear area.

As an NICEIC Approved Contractor, we provide electrical inspections, clear remedial quotations, electrical fault-finding and appropriate certification following completion of the necessary works.

Whether you manage a single rental property or a larger portfolio, we can help you understand the findings of your EICR and arrange the works required to bring the installation to a satisfactory standard.

For more information on EICR coding, check out this article:

https://www.switchelectrical.uk/info-portal/what-do-c1-c2-c3-and-fi-mean-on-an-eicr

Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd

📍 548 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 6HX

📞 0191 905 2723

✉️ switchtoday@mail.com

🌐 www.switchelectrical.uk