The Hidden Costs of Failing an EICR in London (and How to Avoid Them)

EICR Certificate

15 September 2025

EICR Certificates,EICR Guide

✅ Introduction

If you’re a landlord, homeowner, or business owner in London, you already know how important an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is. Not only is it a legal requirement for landlords, but it’s also one of the most important steps in ensuring your property is electrically safe.

But here’s the catch: failing an EICR can be far more expensive than the cost of the certificate itself. From remedial works to re-inspection fees, lost rental income, and even fines of up to £30,000, the hidden costs quickly add up.

In this guide, we’ll break down what happens when you fail an EICR in London, the financial impact, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that catch landlords and homeowners out.

🔎 What Does It Mean to “Fail” an EICR?

When you book an EICR inspection in London, your property’s electrical systems are tested against the latest safety standards (BS 7671 Wiring Regulations). The report can return one of two outcomes:

✅ Satisfactory — your property meets safety requirements.
❌ Unsatisfactory (Fail) — issues have been identified that must be rectified.

A failed EICR doesn’t mean your property is unsafe to live in immediately, but it does mean urgent or potentially dangerous defects exist. These are categorised as:

C1 (Danger Present): Immediate risk of electric shock/fire.
C2 (Potentially Dangerous): Not immediately hazardous but must be fixed urgently.
FI (Further Investigation Required): Issue needs further inspection/testing.

If your report contains any C1, C2, or FI codes, your EICR will be marked unsatisfactory and you’ll need remedial work before the certificate can pass.

🏠The Direct Costs of Failing an EICR

1. Remedial Work Expenses

Failing an EICR usually means you’ll need electrical repairs. Common fixes include:

Consumer unit (fuse box) replacement: £450–£900+
Installing RCD/RCBO protection: £200–£600
Rewiring faulty circuits: £300–£2,000+
Bonding and earthing upgrades: £150–£500

👉 Check our EICR Remedial Work service to see how we help resolve failed inspections quickly and cost-effectively.

2. Re-Inspection Fees

Once remedial works are completed, you’ll need a re-test to issue a new certificate. In London, this can cost:

Small flats: £120–£180
Houses: £150–£250
Commercial units: £200–£400+

So if you fail once, you’re essentially paying twice for inspections.

3. Fines for Non-Compliance

For landlords, not having a valid EICR can result in fines of up to £30,000 under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Local councils have the authority to enforce these penalties.

Failing to act on an unsatisfactory report could cost far more than remedial works.

4. Lost Rental Income

If your property fails an EICR and you cannot provide a valid certificate to tenants, you may:

Be legally prohibited from letting the property until works are completed.
Lose weeks of rent while waiting for repairs and re-inspection.
Risk tenancy disputes or void periods.
For a London landlord charging £2,000 per month rent, even a 2-week delay = £1,000 lost.

5. Impact on Property Sales & Insurance

Property Sale: Buyers often request an up-to-date EICR. A failed report can lower property value or delay sales.
Insurance: Many insurers require evidence of electrical safety. Without a satisfactory EICR, claims could be rejected in the event of fire/electrical damage.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Beyond direct costs, failing an EICR can lead to:

Emergency Call-Outs: Last-minute fixes often cost double compared to planned remedials.
Tenant Relations: Frustrated tenants may demand rent reductions or compensation.
Legal Fees: Disputes with councils or tenants can escalate to costly legal battles.
Stress & Admin Time: Chasing electricians, scheduling works, dealing with paperwork = lost productivity.

How to Avoid Failing an EICR in London

The good news? With the right preparation, you can avoid unnecessary fails and extra costs.

✅ 1. Book Experienced, Certified Electriciansnsurance

Always use NICEIC or NAPIT registered electricians who specialise in EICRs. At London EICR Certificates, all our inspections are carried out by fully qualified engineers.

✅ 2. Prepare Your Property Before the Test

Ensure access to sockets, consumer unit, and rooms.
Remove clutter blocking electrical points.
Provide previous certificates (if available).

These small steps can shave hours off the inspection and reduce the risk of FI (further investigation) codes.

✅ 3. Fix Known Issues in Advance

If you already know about tripping circuits, faulty sockets, or an old fuse box, get them fixed before booking an EICR. Prevention is always cheaper than cure.

✅ 4. Book Regular Maintenance

Instead of waiting every 5 years (landlords) or 10 years (homeowners), consider interim inspections. A quick check every 2–3 years keeps your property compliant and reduces the risk of major remedial bills.

Average EICR Costs vs. Failing Costs

Property Type	Average EICR Cost	Failed EICR + Remedials + Re-Test
1-Bed Flat	£150–£200	£600–£1,200+
3-Bed House	£200–£250	£800–£1,500+
Small Commercial Unit	£250–£400	£1,000–£3,000+

👉 See our full breakdown on EICR Certificate Cost.

Why Choose Us?

At London EICR Certificates, we don’t just carry out inspections — we help you avoid hidden costs by:

Offering clear quotes upfront
Providing same-day certificates where possible
Handling remedial works quickly
Covering both landlords and homeowners
Supporting businesses with commercial EICRs

With us, you get peace of mind knowing you’ll pass without surprise expenses.

✅ FAQs – Failing an EICR in London

❓ What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?

You’ll need remedial works carried out and then a re-test to obtain a satisfactory certificate.

❓ Can landlords still rent with a failed EICR?

No. You must provide tenants with a satisfactory certificate.

❓How much do remedial works usually cost?

Minor repairs may cost £150–£400, but consumer unit replacements or rewiring can exceed £1,000.

❓Who pays for EICR remedial work?

The landlord or property owner. Tenants are not responsible.

❓How quickly do I need to fix EICR issues?

Legally within 28 days, or sooner if specified on the report.

❓Do I need a full re-test after remedials?

Yes, a re-inspection is required to issue a new certificate.

❓Can remedial work be done during the same visit?

Often yes, depending on availability and extent of issues.

❓What if I ignore a failed EICR?

You risk fines up to £30,000 and invalidating your insurance.

❓Does failing an EICR affect property sales?

Yes, buyers may request remedials before completion.

❓ How can I avoid failing?

Book experienced electricians, maintain regularly, and fix known issues beforehand.

🚀 Conclusion

Failing an EICR in London is far more expensive than the test itself. Between remedial works, re-inspection fees, lost rent, and potential fines, the costs can easily spiral into the thousands.

The solution is simple: book your EICR with a trusted, experienced company that not only inspects but also helps prevent failure.

👉 Book your EICR online now and avoid costly surprises.

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Find answers to common questions about EICR certificates and electrical safety inspections in London. Visit our FAQ page on EICRcertificates.com for more information.