What Happens If an EICR Fails?

If you've recently had an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) carried out and it’s come back as “unsatisfactory,” you’re likely feeling unsure about what happens next. It’s a scenario that many homeowners and landlords encounter, especially in older properties across Leeds. The good news is that a failed EICR isn’t the end of the world—it’s the start of making your home or rental property safer and legally compliant.

At Duravault, we guide customers through every stage of the process, from the initial electrical inspection to professional remedial work and certification. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what a failed EICR means, what steps you should take, and how we make everything as stress-free as possible.

What Does a Failed EICR Actually Mean?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a detailed safety check of a property’s wiring, sockets, switches, fuse board, and overall electrical condition. When the report comes back as “unsatisfactory,” it means one or more issues have been identified that compromise the safety or compliance of the installation. The report uses the following coding system to classify problems:

• C1 – Danger present: Risk of injury. Immediate action is required.
• C2 – Potentially dangerous: Urgent remedial work is recommended.
• FI – Further investigation required: An issue has been spotted, but it needs more testing to determine its severity.
• C3 – Improvement recommended: This isn’t a failure, but updating the item would enhance safety.

If your report contains any C1, C2, or FI codes, it will be marked as “unsatisfactory”, and remedial work will be required before a pass certificate can be issued.

Common Reasons for EICR Failures in Leeds Properties

From our experience working in homes across areas like Kirkstall, Beeston, Chapel Allerton, and Roundhay, there are a few recurring reasons properties fail an EICR. Often, the issue is age—older houses built before the 1980s tend to have outdated wiring or consumer units. Sometimes the problem lies in DIY electrical work carried out without professional knowledge, or in wear and tear that’s gone unnoticed for years.

We regularly uncover issues like degraded cables, missing RCD protection in the fuse board, loose or cracked sockets, overloaded circuits, and insufficient earthing. These problems might not cause visible symptoms at first, but they can present serious risks if not corrected.

Why It's Critical for Landlords to Act Quickly

For landlords, a failed EICR isn't just a technical hiccup—it’s a legal matter. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 state that rental properties must have a satisfactory EICR in place and that remedial work must be carried out within 28 days of the report—or sooner if specified.

Once the repairs are completed, the landlord must obtain written confirmation and supply it to both the tenant and, if requested, the local authority. Failure to comply with these rules could result in fines of up to £30,000, not to mention potential risk to your tenants.

At Duravault, we support landlords in areas such as Rothwell, Garforth, Cross Gates, and Harehills by carrying out fast, compliant remedial work. We handle every step—from repairs to retesting to paperwork—so you can stay fully compliant without the hassle.

What to Expect When Your EICR Fails

When your EICR is marked as unsatisfactory, the most important thing is knowing what comes next. That’s where we come in.
We’ll begin by going over your report with you in plain English. We’ll explain what each code means and which parts of the installation are affected. You won’t be left guessing or Googling technical terms. Whether it’s a damaged socket or an outdated fuse board, we’ll clarify what’s required and why it matters.

Next, we’ll give you a clear quotation for the remedial work. Our pricing is completely transparent—what you see is what you pay. The quote will cover all labour, materials, and certification, with no hidden extras.

Once you approve the quote, we’ll arrange a convenient time to complete the repairs. Our qualified electricians work efficiently and with minimal disruption, whether we’re fixing a socket in your living room or replacing your consumer unit entirely. We’re proud of how respectful and tidy our team is—we know you’re inviting us into your home or your tenant’s, and we treat it accordingly.

After completing the repairs, we’ll carry out a retest on the affected circuits. Once everything passes, we’ll issue you a new satisfactory EICR, valid for up to five years.

For Homeowners, It’s Still Worth Acting Fast

Unlike landlords, homeowners are not legally required to act on a failed EICR. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. The majority of domestic fires in the UK are caused by electrical faults—many of which could have been prevented with routine inspections and timely repairs.

If your EICR has identified faults, getting them resolved will protect your family from potential hazards and give you peace of mind. It’s also a smart move if you’re planning to sell your home—buyers are increasingly asking for evidence of electrical safety. Having an up-to-date EICR can make the sales process smoother and even increase your property’s value.

In addition, some insurance providers may request proof of electrical safety certification, particularly in older homes. If your EICR is flagged as unsatisfactory and you haven’t acted on it, a future claim could be disputed.

Real-Life Examples from Our Work in Leeds

We recently helped a landlord in Pudsey who had received a failed EICR showing several C2 issues, including missing bonding to water pipes and a cracked socket. Our team carried out all necessary repairs within 7 days and issued a satisfactory report the next day, keeping the property fully compliant and avoiding disruption to the tenant.

Another customer in Alwoodley contacted us after experiencing frequent tripping. Their EICR revealed overheating within the consumer unit. We upgraded it to a modern RCBO unit, greatly improving safety and performance—and they haven’t had an issue since.

These kinds of cases are common throughout Leeds—and we’ve seen firsthand how quickly and effectively these problems can be resolved when you have the right team in place.

Why Choose Duravault to Fix a Failed EICR?

We understand that dealing with electrical reports and safety codes isn’t something most people look forward to. That’s why we make it our mission to remove the stress and confusion.

As a local, NICEIC-approved electrical business, we specialise in domestic and rental property inspections across LS postcodes. From Headingley to Horsforth, Moortown to Middleton, we know Leeds housing inside out and bring a personal, professional touch to every job.

We don’t do upselling, and we don’t cut corners. Just honest advice, expert workmanship, and fast service. When you choose Duravault, you get:

• Fully qualified and insured electricians
• Clear communication and fixed pricing
• Prompt scheduling for repairs and retesting
• Digital and printed reports for easy record-keeping
• Local knowledge and friendly service

Whether your property needs a quick fix or more involved rewiring, you’ll be in safe hands from start to finish.

What to Do Next

If your EICR has failed, don’t leave it unresolved. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can ensure your property is safe, compliant, and future-proof. Give us a call on 0113 436 9988, or visit www.duravault.co.uk/contact to request a call-back or book a quote. We’re here to take care of the technical side—so you don’t have to.