If you’ve ever had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out — or you’ve been told you need one — you might wonder what happens if your property “fails” the test.
It’s a fair question, and one we get from homeowners and landlords across Basingstoke, Andover, Whitchurch, and beyond almost every week.
The short answer is yes — you can fail an EICR. But it’s not as bad as it sounds. It doesn’t mean your wiring is dangerous beyond repair, or that you’ll be left in the dark. It simply means that your electrical installation has issues that need attention to meet current safety standards.
Here’s what a “failed” EICR really means — and what happens next.
What does it mean to fail an EICR?
An EICR is a safety assessment, not a pass-or-fail test in the strictest sense. But when the report identifies problems that pose risk or non-compliance with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, the outcome is classed as “unsatisfactory.”
This means your electrical system isn’t currently considered safe for continued use — until certain issues are corrected.
During the inspection, each problem is given a code, depending on its level of risk:
- C1 – Danger present: There’s an immediate threat of electric shock or fire. These must be fixed straight away or the affected circuit isolated.
- C2 – Potentially dangerous: Not immediately unsafe, but could become hazardous if left uncorrected. Needs prompt remedial work.
- FI – Further investigation required: Something doesn’t test right or needs a deeper check before it can be assessed.
- C3 – Improvement recommended: Not unsafe, but doesn’t meet the latest standards. Optional upgrade, not a failure.
If your report includes any C1, C2, or FI codes, it’s marked unsatisfactory — and that’s what most people refer to as “failing an EICR.”
What happens after an unsatisfactory EICR?
Don’t panic. A failed EICR doesn’t mean your property is doomed or unsafe to occupy immediately. It simply means work is required to bring it up to standard.
Here’s what happens next:
- You’ll receive your report – usually within a day or two, detailing every observation and its code.
- The electrician explains the findings – in plain English, not jargon. You’ll know exactly what’s wrong, why it matters, and how to fix it.
- Remedial work is quoted and completed – this could be anything from replacing a faulty socket or RCD to upgrading an old consumer unit.
- A follow-up certificate is issued – once everything’s been repaired or replaced, you’ll get written confirmation that your installation now meets regulations.
For landlords, this follow-up is legally required under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Common reasons for failing an EICR
At GU Solutions, we’ve carried out countless EICRs across Hook, Kingsclere, and Sherborne St John, and the same issues tend to crop up time and again:
- Outdated fuse boards without RCD protection
- Loose or damaged sockets and switches
- Overloaded circuits
- Wiring deterioration from age or poor installation
- Missing bonding to gas or water pipes
- DIY modifications or non-certified work
None of these are unusual, and most can be corrected fairly easily — but ignoring them can put you, your tenants, or your property at risk.
How long do you have to fix the problems?
If you’re a landlord, the law says you must complete all remedial work within 28 days (or sooner, if the report specifies).
Once done, you’ll need to provide your tenants — and, if requested, the local council — with written proof that the work’s been carried out.
For homeowners or business owners, there’s no legal deadline, but the advice is simple: don’t delay. The longer you leave an unsafe installation, the greater the risk — and the more expensive the repair could become.
What does it cost to fix a failed EICR?
That depends entirely on what’s found. Sometimes, it’s as simple as tightening a few connections or replacing damaged fittings. In other cases — particularly with older properties in places like Alresford or Whitchurch — it might involve upgrading old wiring or installing a modern RCD-protected consumer unit.
The good news is, once the work is complete, your installation will be safer, more efficient, and fully compliant with today’s standards.
How GU Solutions helps after a failed EICR
At GU Solutions, we don’t just issue reports — we help you put things right.
As NICEIC Approved Contractors, we carry out thorough testing, explain the findings clearly, and quote only for the work that genuinely needs doing.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, landlords, and businesses across Basingstoke, Andover, Hook, and surrounding Hampshire villages bring their electrics up to standard quickly and affordably.
You’ll get:
- Clear, honest recommendations
- No hidden extras or unnecessary upgrades
- Full certification once the work’s complete
- A safe, compliant installation you can rely on
Book your EICR or remedial work today
If your last EICR was unsatisfactory — or it’s been more than five years since your last inspection — we can help.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your Electrical Installation Condition Report or remedial work.
We’ll test your installation, explain the results, and handle any repairs quickly and efficiently — so you can get back to business (or home life) knowing your electrics are safe, compliant, and up to standard.
Because in electrical safety, a failed report isn’t a setback — it’s your chance to put things right for good.
