Short answer: an unsatisfactory EICR means the report found at least one C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous) or FI (further investigation) defect. The installation stays legal to use, but for a rented property in England the landlord must complete the remedial work within 28 days of the inspection — or sooner if the report says so — then obtain written confirmation that the installation is now satisfactory. Ignoring it risks a council fine of up to £40,000.
If you’re holding a failed report right now, here is exactly what happens next, what it costs to put right in London, and the order to do it in.
First: read which codes failed it
The report’s observations section lists every defect with a classification code. Only three codes make a report unsatisfactory: C1, C2 and FI. C3 items (“improvement recommended”) do not fail the report and you are not obliged to act on them. Full plain-English breakdown in our guide to what C1, C2 and C3 mean on an EICR.
A typical unsatisfactory London EICR has two to five coded defects — most commonly missing RCD protection, deteriorated wiring in one area, or absent bonding to gas and water pipes.
The 28-day clock (rented property)
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, a landlord whose EICR is unsatisfactory must:
- Complete remedial work within 28 days of the inspection date — or within any shorter period the report specifies (a C1 usually says “immediately”).
- Get written confirmation from a qualified electrician that the work is done and the installation now meets the standard.
- Supply that confirmation, plus the original report, to every tenant within 28 days of the remedial work — and to the local authority if they ask for it.
Councils can demand remedial action and issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 for breaches. In practice, enforcement starts with the paper trail: no confirmation of remedials = a breach, even if the work was quietly done.
Owner-occupiers: none of these deadlines apply to your own home — but C1 and C2 items are still genuine safety defects, and an unsatisfactory report will resurface if you sell or re-mortgage.
What the common fixes cost in London (2026)
All prices labour-only, materials itemised separately; minimum charge £108 (£90 + VAT):
| Typical defect | Usual code | Labour-only guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Damaged accessory (socket/switch faceplate) | C1/C2 | from £108 |
| Main bonding to gas & water | C2 | from £150 |
| No RCD protection → consumer unit replacement | C2 | from £550 |
| Deteriorated wiring in one area (partial rewire) | C2 | quoted after inspection |
| Whole installation past its life (full rewire) | multiple C2 | from £3,500 (1-bed) |
| FI — further investigation revisit | FI | from £108 |
Do you need a whole new EICR afterwards?
Usually not. If the same contractor does the remedials, the standard route is a certificate for the remedial works (an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate for each fix) plus written confirmation that the observations are cleared — that satisfies the regulations. A full re-inspection is only needed if the report is old, the defects were extensive, or a different firm wants to re-assess before certifying. We confirm which applies before quoting, so you don’t pay for a second EICR you don’t need. (Wondering when the next full test is due anyway? See how long an EICR lasts.)
Can you dispute the codes?
Codes involve professional judgement, and occasionally an inspector codes harshly. A second opinion from a NICEIC-approved contractor is legitimate — reputable firms code to Electrical Safety First’s Best Practice Guide 4, not to win remedial work. But be realistic: missing RCDs, absent bonding and damaged accessories are C2s in anyone’s book. Disputing buys time only if the coding is genuinely arguable.
The sensible order to do things
- Send us (or your electrician) the full report — not just the summary page. The observation list is the quote.
- Get an itemised, labour-only quote per defect within 24 hours.
- Book remedials inside the 28-day window; C1s first.
- Receive certification + written confirmation; forward to tenants (and keep copies — see our landlord compliance checklist).
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to rent out a property with an unsatisfactory EICR?
The tenancy itself remains valid, but the landlord is in breach of the 2020 Regulations from day 29 if remedials aren’t done and confirmed — that’s what the up-to-£40,000 civil penalty attaches to.
Can tenants stay in the property while remedial work is done?
Almost always yes. Most C2 remedials are a few hours’ work per defect. A C1 may need immediate isolation of one circuit until fixed, which we do on the day we find it.
How quickly can remedials be done in London?
We typically quote within 24 hours of seeing the report and complete standard remedials within the week — comfortably inside the 28-day window. From £108 labour-only.
Does an unsatisfactory EICR affect insurance?
Many landlord policies require compliance with electrical safety regulations. An unremedied unsatisfactory report can give an insurer grounds to question a claim after an electrical incident — one more reason not to sit on it.
Send us the report, we’ll handle the rest
F & A Electrical is a NICEIC-approved contractor in Tottenham N15, rated 9.32/10 from 242 reviews. We do EICRs (from £140 — see costs), remedials priced per defect, and same-day certification across North and East London. Call 07407 627 542 or check our coverage areas.
Wondering what the fixes will cost? Our EICR remedial work cost guide prices C1 and C2 fixes item by item — from £108 labour-only.
Got a C2 on your report? Our guide to the 15 most common C2 faults explains why each one is coded C2 and what it costs to fix, labour-only from £108.