If you fail an EICR and ignore the remedial work, you risk serious legal, financial, and safety consequences. Landlords face fines up to £30,000, insurance policies can be voided, and mortgage lenders may withdraw offers. Most critically, unfixed C1 and C2 faults leave occupants at genuine risk of electric shock or fire. The single most important action is to instruct a qualified electrician to carry out all remedial work within the timeframe specified on your EICR — typically 28 days for urgent C1 or C2 codes — then obtain a satisfactory re-inspection certificate confirming the installation is safe.
🏠Homeowner view
What Happens If You Ignore a Failed EICR?
Receiving an Unsatisfactory EICR can feel overwhelming, but ignoring it is never the right option. Here is what the failure actually means and why acting quickly matters.
What a Failed EICR Actually Means
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is graded Unsatisfactory when the inspector identifies at least one C1 (Danger Present) or C2 (Potentially Dangerous) code. A C3 alone (Improvement Recommended) does not cause a fail.
C1 — Danger Present: Immediate risk to life. The circuit may need isolating on the spot.
C2 — Potentially Dangerous: Likely to become dangerous. Remedial work required urgently.
C3 — Improvement Recommended: Not a failure, but worth addressing.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
For homeowners:
Your home insurance may be voided if a fire or shock incident occurs and an outstanding EICR failure is discovered.
Mortgage lenders — particularly for older properties — may withdraw lending or require remedial work before completion.
You could face civil liability if a visitor or tenant is injured.
Selling your home becomes significantly harder; solicitors and buyers routinely request EICR certificates.
For landlords (this is where the law is very clear):
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 legally require landlords to carry out remedial work within 28 days of an unsatisfactory EICR (or sooner if specified).
Local Housing Authorities can impose fines of up to £30,000 per breach.
Failure to provide a valid EICR to tenants is itself a breach, compounding the penalty.
Landlord insurance policies almost universally include clauses that void cover for non-compliant electrical installations.
What You Should Check Safely Right Now
Locate your EICR report and note any C1 or C2 codes listed.
Check the date of inspection and the recommended remediation deadline.
Do not attempt to fix electrical faults yourself unless you are a competent person — this is not a DIY job.
When to Call an Electrician Immediately
Call a Part P registered electrician the same day if your report contains any C1 codes. For C2 codes, book within the week. Once remedial work is complete, request a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) or an updated EICR showing a Satisfactory result.