Landlord EICR Remedial Work Example Explained

A landlord EICR remedial work example is often more useful than a list of regulations. It shows what actually happens when an electrical inspection identifies a problem in a rented home, what work needs doing, and why a satisfactory report cannot simply be assumed after the first visit.

For landlords in Norfolk and Suffolk, the priority is straightforward: provide a safe electrical installation, keep clear records, and act promptly where an inspection identifies danger or potential danger. A qualified electrician can make this process far less stressful by explaining findings in plain English, quoting accurately for the required work and supplying the correct certification once repairs are complete.

What an EICR tells a landlord

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, usually called an EICR, assesses the fixed electrical installation in a property. This includes the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches, lighting points, earthing and bonding. It does not normally cover the condition of tenants' own appliances, although a separate appliance testing service may be appropriate in some properties.

For privately rented homes in England, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at intervals of no more than five years. A report may recommend an earlier inspection period, particularly where an installation is older or has seen heavy use. Landlords must also provide a copy of the report to current tenants, new tenants and, where requested, the local authority within the relevant timescales.

The outcome is either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. An unsatisfactory report does not mean every part of the property is unsafe, but it does mean one or more observations need attention before the installation can be regarded as compliant and safe for continued use.

Understanding C1, C2 and FI observations

An EICR uses observation codes to communicate urgency. A C1 means danger is present and immediate action is required. The electrician may be able to make the affected item safe during the inspection, such as isolating a damaged circuit or removing a dangerous accessory.

A C2 means a potentially dangerous condition has been found. It may not be causing immediate harm at that moment, but it requires remedial work without delay. FI means further investigation is needed. The cause has not been established, so the electrician cannot confirm the installation is safe until further testing or investigative work has been carried out.

For rental properties, C1, C2 and FI observations result in an unsatisfactory EICR. Landlords are generally required to arrange remedial work or further investigation within 28 days, unless the report states that a shorter period is necessary. The person completing the work should then provide written confirmation that the issue has been resolved or that further action is unnecessary.

A realistic landlord EICR remedial work example

Consider a two-bedroom rental house with an older consumer unit and a recent change of tenancy. The landlord arranges an EICR before the new occupants move in. During inspection and testing, the electrician finds that the upstairs socket circuit has no RCD protection, a socket outlet in a bedroom has a cracked faceplate, and the main protective bonding to the gas and water services is inadequate.

The damaged socket is coded C2 because accessible damaged electrical accessories can expose occupants to a potentially dangerous condition. The lack of RCD protection is also likely to receive a C2 observation, depending on the circuit and the assessment of risk. RCDs are designed to disconnect the supply quickly if they detect an earth fault, providing valuable additional protection against electric shock.

The inadequate main bonding is another serious issue. Main protective bonding helps keep metal services at a similar electrical potential in the event of a fault. Without correct bonding, the risk of electric shock can increase. In this example, the EICR is issued as unsatisfactory with clear observations and recommended remedial actions.

The landlord authorises the work promptly. The electrician replaces the damaged socket, installs a suitable modern consumer unit with RCD or RCBO protection where required, and upgrades the main earth bonding conductors to the correct size and standard. Testing is then repeated to verify that the circuits, protective devices and earthing arrangements are operating correctly.

Once the work is complete, the landlord receives certification for the replacement consumer unit, confirmation of the remedial work and an updated satisfactory EICR, where appropriate. These documents should be kept with the tenancy records and supplied to the tenant. The landlord now has evidence that the concerns identified in the report have been addressed properly, rather than just assurances that a repair has been made.

Not every remedial job means a full rewire

It is understandable for landlords to worry that an unsatisfactory EICR automatically means extensive and expensive work. That is not always the case. Some observations can be resolved by replacing damaged accessories, correcting earthing or bonding, improving protection at the consumer unit, or repairing a localised fault.

However, the right solution depends on the age, design and condition of the installation. A consumer unit upgrade may be sensible where multiple circuits lack suitable protection, but it can reveal pre-existing issues that require further investigation. Older wiring with deteriorated insulation, poorly altered circuits or recurring faults may make partial repairs a short-term answer rather than good value.

A trustworthy electrician should explain the options clearly. There is a balance between completing the immediate remedial work needed to make the property safe and investing in upgrades that reduce future maintenance, tenant disruption and repeat call-outs. The cheapest quote is not necessarily the most economical if it leaves known weaknesses unresolved.

What landlords should expect from remedial work

Before work starts, ask for a written quotation that links the proposed repairs to the EICR observations. This makes it easier to understand what is being done and helps avoid vague pricing. If further investigation is needed, the quotation should explain that the final scope may depend on what testing uncovers.

Access also matters. Remedial work can involve planned power isolation, lifting floorboards, working in cupboards or accessing the consumer unit. Good communication with tenants helps the visit run smoothly and reduces inconvenience. For urgent C1 findings, safety must come first, even if a circuit needs to be left isolated until a permanent repair can be completed.

The work should be completed by a competent electrician, tested properly and supported by the appropriate paperwork. Where notifiable work is carried out in a dwelling, such as certain consumer unit replacements, Part P requirements must be followed. Choosing an accredited contractor provides reassurance that the work is being completed to current standards and notified where necessary.

Eclipse Electrical Solutions LTD provides inspection, testing, consumer unit upgrades, earthing and bonding work, and practical remedial repairs for landlords across Norfolk and Suffolk. Clear findings, professional workmanship and accurate certification help landlords make decisions with confidence.

Keeping ahead of the next inspection

An EICR should not be treated as a once-every-five-years task that can be forgotten until the deadline approaches. Between inspections, respond quickly to reports of tripping circuits, damaged sockets, flickering lights, burning smells or electric shocks. These are not routine tenancy issues and should be assessed by a qualified electrician.

It is also wise to keep a simple record of electrical work completed at the property, including dates, certificates and any alterations made by previous owners or contractors. When the next EICR is due, this information gives the inspector a clearer picture of the installation and may prevent unnecessary delays.

A well-managed rental property protects tenants, reduces avoidable disruption and gives landlords the evidence they need if questions arise. If an EICR identifies remedial work, acting early and using a qualified electrician turns a compliance concern into a clear, manageable repair plan.