Who Is Responsible for the EICR: Landlord or Tenant? London Guide
I Failed My EICR. Can I Still Rent Out My Flat in London?
11 November 2025
EICR Faults & Failures
Failed EICR in London? Here’s the Real Answer Landlords Need
You’ve just received your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and it says “Unsatisfactory.”
Now you’re probably asking:
“Can I still rent my flat, or do I need to wait until everything’s fixed?”
The short answer:
⚠️ You can’t legally rent out a property with an unsatisfactory EICR, but if you’ve already booked remedial work and can prove it, there’s a small legal window of flexibility.
Let’s break down what the law says, what “booked remedial work” means, and how you can stay compliant while keeping your tenants safe.
What the Law Says About Renting After a Failed EICR
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, every rented property in England must have a satisfactory EICR certificate in place.
The law requires landlords to:
- Get the property inspected every 5 years (or sooner if recommended).
- Provide a satisfactory report before renting or renewing a tenancy.
- Fix C1 and C2 faults within 28 days of the report (or earlier if the electrician says so).
- Provide proof of completed remedial work to the tenant and local council.
So technically:
- 🚫 You cannot legally rent a property that has a failed EICR.
- ✅ You can continue existing tenancies temporarily if remedial work has been booked, provided you act promptly and keep written proof.
The “Proof of Booking” Exception Explained
If your EICR failed but you’ve immediately booked remedial work with a qualified electrician, you’re taking reasonable steps to comply with the law.
Here’s how this works:
- The law recognises that arranging electrical work can take a few days.
- You can show evidence of your booking confirmation (email, invoice, or message) to prove you’re fixing the issue.
- If the council inspects your property and sees you’ve arranged repairs, they may allow time before issuing fines.
However, this does not make your property legally compliant to rent until the faults are actually repaired and you have a new Satisfactory EICR certificate.
In other words:
Proof of booking gives you breathing room — not permission to rent long-term.
EICR Codes and What They Mean for Renting
When your electrician completes an EICR, they’ll assign one or more codes to the issues found.
| Code | Meaning | Can You Rent? | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | ❌ No | Must fix immediately |
| C2 | Potential danger | ❌ No | Fix within 28 days |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | ✅ Yes | Optional fix |
| FI | Further investigation required | ❌ No | Investigate before renting |
If your report includes C1, C2, or FI, it’s automatically classed as “Unsatisfactory.”
You can only legally rent or continue renting once those issues have been fixed and a new EICR or written confirmation of completion is issued.
📖 Related reading:
How to Read and Understand an EICR Report for Your London Property
What To Do If You Failed Your EICR
Failing an EICR doesn’t mean you’re in trouble, it just means something needs fixing.
Here’s how to turn that fail into a pass:
1️⃣ Get a Remedial Work Quote
Contact a qualified NICEIC electrician and request a remedial quote.
This will cover all C1, C2, and FI issues found in the report.
2️⃣ Book the Work Immediately
Even if you can’t do the repairs same day, book them as soon as possible.
Keep all emails or invoices showing your booking date and company name.
This is your proof if the council checks your compliance.
3️⃣ Send Confirmation to Your Tenant (and Council if Needed)
Once the remedial work is booked, email your tenant confirming:
- You’ve arranged the repairs
- The date of the appointment
- The contractor’s details
If the council asks for proof, forward that same confirmation email or invoice.
4️⃣ Complete the Repairs and Retest
After the faults are fixed, your electrician will carry out a re-test and issue a Satisfactory EICR Certificate.
At this stage, your property becomes fully compliant again.
📅 Book now:
Book EICR Inspection in London
Example Scenario: Booked Remedial Work But Still Renting
Let’s say your flat in Battersea failed its EICR on Monday.
You booked remedial work for Thursday with London EICR Certificates and have the confirmation email.
✅ You’re showing due diligence.
✅ You’re working within the 28-day repair window.
✅ If the council checks, you have proof you’re resolving the issue.
However:
🚫 You still can’t legally start a new tenancy or renew a current one until the EICR passes.
You can continue to let existing tenants stay temporarily, but new rentals must wait for the “Satisfactory” report.
What Happens If You Ignore a Failed EICR
If you ignore a failed EICR, the local council can:
- Issue fines of up to £30,000 per breach
- Serve enforcement notices requiring urgent repairs
- Flag your property as non-compliant, affecting insurance and tenancy renewals
💡 Quick reminder: A failed EICR is not just paperwork, it’s a safety issue that could lead to fires, electric shocks, or invalid insurance claims.
How Fast Can You Fix a Failed EICR?
At London EICR Certificates, we handle failed EICRs every day.
Most landlords are back to full compliance within 24–48 hours.
We offer:
- ⚡ Same-day remedial quotes
- 🔧 Fast re-tests after repairs
- 📜 5-year valid EICR certificates
- 🧰 NICEIC-approved electricians
Book your remedial work today → Book Online
What Does a Passed EICR Certificate Look Like?
Once your repairs are complete, you’ll receive a Satisfactory Report stating that your property meets electrical safety standards.
This document is valid for five years and must be shared with tenants before they move in.
📘 Related: EICR Certificate Cost in London
Pro Tips to Avoid Failing Your Next EICR
- Replace outdated fuse boards with RCD-protected consumer units.
- Have visual electrical checks done every year.
- Use only NICEIC electricians never DIY repairs.
- Keep your certificates safe and ready to show to agents or councils.
Common Questions from London Landlords
Can I still rent my property with a failed EICR if tenants already live there?
You can maintain existing tenancies only if you’ve booked repairs and can show proof of remedial work within 28 days.
However, you cannot sign new tenants or renew leases until it’s passed.
Can I be fined even if I booked the repair?
If the council sees that you acted quickly and booked repairs, you’ll likely avoid fines.
They target landlords who ignore reports or fail to provide evidence of remedial actions.
Do I need to give tenants the failed report?
Yes. Tenants must receive a copy of the EICR within 28 days of the inspection, even if it failed.
This shows transparency and compliance.
What if the electrician can’t come within 28 days?
Inform the council immediately, showing your booking confirmation.
They may allow an extension if you’ve demonstrated prompt action.
Quick Reference: Renting Legally After a Failed EICR
| Situation | Can You Rent? | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Failed EICR (C1/C2/FI) | ❌ No | Fix Immediately |
| Booked Remedial Work (Proof Provided) | ⚠️ Temporarily Allowed (existing tenancy only) | Complete repairs ASAP |
| Only C3 Issues | ✅ Yes | Optional improvements |
| Retested & Passed | ✅ Yes | Fully compliant |
The Fastest Way to Get Back to “Satisfactory”
Electrical safety is non-negotiable, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
With our fast remedial service, most landlords in London get their new certificate within one day of booking.
✅ Book Your Failed EICR Repair Today
✅ Learn About EICR Costs
✅ Read What to Do If Your Property Fails the EICR Certificate in London
If you failed your EICR, you can’t legally rent or renew a tenancy until it’s passed.
But if you’ve booked remedial work immediately and can prove it, councils see that as responsible compliance, giving you a short grace period.
Fix it fast, keep everything documented, and you’ll be back to fully compliant — with peace of mind for another five years.
📞 Call us at 0203 811 8331 or
💻 Book Online in 2 Minutes
Because when it comes to safety and compliance, there’s no reason to risk it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting After a Failed EICR in London
1️⃣ Can I rent my property if I failed the EICR?
No, you can’t legally rent or renew a tenancy if your EICR is marked “Unsatisfactory.” You must fix all C1, C2, or FI issues first and obtain a new Satisfactory EICR Certificate before the property is legally safe to rent.
2️⃣ Can I still rent if I’ve booked remedial work after a failed EICR?
If you’ve booked remedial work with a qualified electrician and can show written proof (like a confirmation email or invoice), local councils often allow a short grace period while repairs are completed. However, this doesn’t make your property compliant ,you can’t start new tenancies until you pass the re-test.
3️⃣ How long do I have to fix issues after a failed EICR?
You have 28 days from the date of the report to fix any C1 or C2 issues (or sooner if your electrician specifies). After repairs, you must send written confirmation of the completed work to your tenant and local council if requested.
4️⃣ What happens if I ignore a failed EICR in London?
Ignoring a failed EICR can lead to fines up to £30,000, enforcement notices, and even invalid insurance. Councils take electrical safety seriously, especially if tenants are at risk.
5️⃣ What does “Unsatisfactory” mean on an EICR report?
“Unsatisfactory” means your electrical system has one or more faults (C1, C2, or FI) that make it unsafe. The property fails the inspection and must be repaired before it’s legally rentable again.
6️⃣ Can tenants stay in the property while I fix a failed EICR?
Yes, existing tenants can usually remain temporarily if repairs are booked and safety is managed. However, if your report shows C1 (immediate danger), those issues must be isolated or repaired straight away for safety reasons.
7️⃣ Do I need to give tenants a copy of a failed EICR?
Yes. Landlords are required to provide tenants with a copy of the EICR even if it has failed within 28 days of the inspection. This demonstrates transparency and compliance with regulations.
8️⃣ Can I show proof of booked work to avoid fines?
Yes, proof of booked remedial work (like a quote, confirmation email, or scheduled date) helps show you’ve taken reasonable steps to comply. Councils are less likely to fine landlords who act promptly.
9️⃣ How do I get a new EICR after remedial work?
Once your electrician completes all repairs, they’ll re-test the fixed circuits and issue a new Satisfactory EICR Certificate, valid for five years.
🔟 Who can fix a failed EICR in London?
Only qualified and registered electricians, ideally NICEIC-approved contractors, should carry out remedial work. They ensure the job meets legal standards and provide documentation needed for compliance.
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EICR Certificates,EICR Inspection
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