I Failed My EICR: What To Do Next in London (2026 Guide)

Failing an EICR can feel like a proper headache, especially if you are a landlord trying to stay compliant, a homeowner preparing to sell, or a business owner who suddenly finds out your electrical installation is not in a satisfactory condition.

But let’s keep it real. A failed EICR is not the end of the world.

It does not automatically mean your whole property needs rewiring. It does not always mean huge repair bills. And it definitely does not mean you should panic and start guessing what to do next.

What it does mean is that a qualified electrician has found one or more electrical issues serious enough to make the report “unsatisfactory”. Your next move matters. If you handle it properly, you can get the faults corrected, improve safety, and obtain a satisfactory report without wasting time or money.

If you need the bigger picture on the report itself, start with our guide on how to read and understand an EICR report for your London property. If you are ready to move fast, you can also book online here.

What does it mean if you failed an EICR?

An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, checks the safety and condition of the fixed electrical installation in a property. That includes things like the consumer unit, earthing, bonding, sockets, lighting circuits, and wiring systems.

If the report comes back as unsatisfactory, it means the electrician found one or more observations serious enough to fail the inspection.

In most cases, failure happens because of:

• dangerous faults
• potentially dangerous faults
• missing protective bonding
• no RCD protection where required
• damaged accessories or exposed live parts
• signs of overheating
• poor previous electrical work
• issues that need further investigation

If you want a general service overview, check our main EICR Services page.

The three codes you need to understand straight away

If your EICR failed, the first thing to look at is the observation codes on the report.

C1: Danger present

This is the most serious one.

A C1 means there is an immediate danger. Someone could be at risk of electric shock or fire right now. In some cases, the electrician may make the issue safe before leaving site.

Examples:

• exposed live wires
• broken accessories with live parts accessible
• severe overheating or burning

If your report has a C1, do not ignore it. This is urgent.

C2: Potentially dangerous

A C2 means the issue is not necessarily causing immediate danger at the exact moment of inspection, but it could become dangerous and must be fixed.

Examples:

• lack of earthing or bonding
• missing RCD protection in certain situations
• defective breakers
• unsafe alterations to circuits

A C2 is enough to fail an EICR.

FI: Further investigation required

An FI code means the electrician found something that needs deeper investigation before they can confirm the safety of the installation.

Examples:

• unusual test results
• signs of hidden faults
• possible circuit irregularities

FI also causes an unsatisfactory report until the issue is investigated and resolved.

C3: Improvement recommended

This one often confuses people.

A C3 does not fail the EICR. It means improvement is recommended, but the installation can still be classed as satisfactory.

That is why you should never assume every observation means bad news. Some items are advisory, some are not.

Why EICRs fail so often in London

London properties are a mix of old housing stock, converted flats, Victorian terraces, ex-local authority blocks, newer refurbishments, and commercial premises with years of layered alterations. That creates loads of opportunities for electrical issues to build up over time.

Common reasons for a failed EICR certificate London inspection include:

1. Missing or inadequate earthing and bonding

This is super common in older properties. If the installation does not have proper protective earthing and bonding to gas and water services, safety is affected.

2. Outdated consumer units

Older fuse boards often lack modern protection devices such as RCDs. Even if the board still “works,” it may not meet current safety expectations for satisfactory certification.

3. DIY or poor-quality past electrical work

We see this all the time. Added sockets, altered lighting circuits, or kitchen upgrades done badly can create hidden risk.

4. Damaged sockets, switches, and accessories

Cracked faceplates, loose fittings, burn marks, or polarity issues can all lead to observations.

5. No proper certification history

If previous works were done but not properly tested or certified, that can create red flags during inspection.

If remedial works are needed after failure, visit our EICR Remedial Work page.

What should you do immediately after failing an EICR?

Here’s the smart move.

Step 1: Read the codes, not just the word “unsatisfactory”

Do not just see “failed” and freak out. Look at the actual observations. Are they C1, C2, FI, or just C3 recommendations?

That tells you how urgent it really is.

Step 2: Ask for a clear breakdown of remedial works

You need to know exactly:

• what failed
• why it failed
• what must be fixed
• what is optional
• what can be repaired now
• what may require further investigation

Step 3: Prioritise safety first

If the report includes a C1 or serious C2 issue, that comes first. Forget cosmetic stuff. Fix the dangerous items.

Step 4: Get the remedial works done by a qualified electrician

Once the faults are corrected, you may need:

• a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for specific repairs
• an Electrical Installation Certificate for larger works
• or a new / updated satisfactory EICR depending on the scope

Step 5: Keep all paperwork

This matters a lot for landlords, property managers, and business owners. Keep:

• the original failed EICR
• the quote for remedial work
• certificates for any repairs
• the updated satisfactory report once completed

If you are a landlord, your legal side matters

If you are renting out property in London, this gets more serious.

Landlords need to make sure the electrical installation is safe and inspected at the required intervals. If the EICR is unsatisfactory, you cannot just sit on it and hope nobody asks questions later.

You need to act.

For landlords, the smartest route is to review our dedicated page for EICR Certificates for Landlords, because that page is built around compliance, tenant safety, and legal expectations.

Landlord reality check

If your report fails, you should:

• arrange remedial work without delay
• keep written proof
• provide updated documentation where required
• make sure the installation becomes satisfactory

This is especially important before:

• new tenancies
• renewals
• licensing checks
• property management handovers
• sales or refinancing

If you are a homeowner, should you worry?

Yes, but in a practical way, not a dramatic way.

A failed EICR for a homeowner is still serious because it means the installation has one or more safety issues. But it is also useful because it shows you where the actual problems are, instead of leaving you guessing.

For owner-occupiers, a failed report can help you:

• make your home safer
• avoid future fire risk
• prepare for sale
• negotiate on purchase decisions
• plan upgrade works properly

If this applies to you, see our page on EICR Certificates for Homeowners.

How much does it cost to fix a failed EICR?

This is one of the first questions everyone asks, and fair enough.

The truth is the repair cost depends on what actually failed.

A failed EICR could mean:

• one small corrective repair
• a bonding upgrade
• a consumer unit replacement
• multiple circuit issues
• or further fault-finding across the installation

Typical factors affecting the final cost include:

• size of property
• age of installation
• number of observations
• whether consumer unit upgrades are needed
• whether circuits need tracing or investigation
• whether access is easy
• whether urgent attendance is required

For the inspection side itself, see our EICR Certificate Cost page.

Rough repair examples

These are not universal fixed prices, but they help you understand the range:

• replacing damaged sockets or switches: lower-cost fix
• bonding upgrades: moderate cost
• RCD or RCBO related improvements: moderate cost
• consumer unit replacement: higher cost
• major rewiring or multiple circuit issues: higher cost again

The biggest mistake people make is chasing the cheapest fix without understanding the actual scope. Cheap can become expensive fast if faults are missed or paperwork is not issued properly.

Can you still rent or sell a property after a failed EICR?

This depends on the situation, timing, and who is asking for the documentation.

For landlords

If the property requires a satisfactory EICR for compliance purposes, then failing and doing nothing is a bad move. You should get the remedial works completed and the documentation updated.

For sellers

You can still sell a property, but a failed EICR may:

• reduce buyer confidence
• cause price negotiation
• slow down the process
• trigger lender or surveyor questions

For buyers

A failed EICR can actually be useful leverage. It gives you a documented basis for negotiating repairs or price adjustments.

What repairs are commonly needed after a failed EICR?

Here are some of the most common remedial works after a failed electrical installation condition report in London:

Consumer unit upgrades

Old boards with outdated protection are one of the most common causes of unsatisfactory reports.

Earthing and bonding upgrades

If the main earthing conductor or bonding is inadequate, this often needs correction.

Socket and switch replacements

Damaged or unsafe accessories can trigger observations.

RCD protection improvements

Modern protection requirements are a major area where older installations fall short.

Fault finding on circuits

Sometimes the EICR points to deeper issues that need investigation before repairs can be finalised.

Removal of unsafe DIY alterations

Poor extensions, spurs, borrowed neutrals, or badly altered circuits can all need reworking.

If your property is commercial, you should also review our Commercial EICR Certificates in London page, because commercial obligations and repair scope can be different.

Real-world examples of failed EICR situations

Example 1: Landlord flat in South London

A two-bedroom rental flat failed due to lack of bonding and a damaged socket near the kitchen worktop. The landlord assumed it would need a full rewire. It did not. After targeted remedial works and certification, the property was brought back to a satisfactory standard.

Example 2: Victorian conversion in West London

The report found an old consumer unit with no modern RCD protection and multiple circuit concerns. In this case, the smarter option was not patching around the edges. A board upgrade and related corrections made more sense long term.

Example 3: Commercial office unit

A small office failed with several observations linked to previous alterations and poor documentation. Once the faults were investigated and corrected, the client had proper paperwork for compliance and insurance peace of mind.

The point is simple. “Failed EICR” does not always mean the same thing. The code list and actual condition of the installation matter way more than the headline alone.

How long does it take to get compliant again?

That depends on what failed.

Fast turnaround cases

Some failed EICRs can be resolved very quickly if the issues are straightforward and access is available.

Medium complexity cases

If multiple faults exist, or a consumer unit needs replacing, you may need a bit more planning.

Slower cases

If there is significant fault-finding, access problems, tenant coordination, or major upgrade works, the timeline can stretch.

This is why booking quickly matters. If you wait too long, small issues can become bigger delays.

You can view our Areas We Cover if you need a local London team.

How to avoid getting burned twice after a failed EICR

A lot of people fail once, pay for repairs, and still do not feel sure whether things were handled properly.

Here is how to avoid that.

1. Ask for plain-English explanation

Do not accept vague wording. You should understand what was wrong.

2. Separate mandatory repairs from optional improvements

Not everything suggested is required for a satisfactory outcome.

3. Make sure paperwork is issued correctly

Repairs without correct certification can create another problem later.

4. Use a company that deals with EICRs regularly

This stuff is way smoother when the team is used to inspections, remedials, landlord compliance, and follow-up certification.

5. Think long term, not just cheapest today

The lowest quote is not always the best result if it leaves you with more issues later.

Best next step if your EICR failed in London

If your EICR failed, your best move is simple:

• understand the codes
• fix the dangerous or potentially dangerous items
• keep proper documentation
• get the installation back to satisfactory standard

That is the cleanest path.

If you are not sure where to start, the most useful pages on our site are:

• Home Page
• EICR Services
• EICR Certificate Cost
• EICR Certificates for Landlords
• EICR Certificates for Homeowners
• Commercial EICR Certificates in London
• EICR Remedial Work
• FAQ
• Book Now Online

Final thoughts

Failing an EICR feels stressful because the word “failed” sounds dramatic. But the smart way to look at it is this:

A failed report is not just a problem. It is also a roadmap.

It tells you what needs attention, what needs repair, and what needs to happen next to get the property safe and compliant.

Whether you are a landlord, homeowner, letting agent, or business owner, the key is acting properly and not ignoring the warning signs. Done right, the process becomes straightforward: inspect, understand, repair, certify, move on.

And honestly, that is way better than leaving hidden electrical issues sitting there until they become a much bigger mess.

Need help after a failed EICR in London?
Visit our Book Online page to arrange your inspection or remedial follow-up, or explore our Our Projects page to see more about the work we carry out.