ELECTRAGUARD.UK

If you’ve had an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out and it’s come back with faults or recommendations, you might be wondering — how long do you have to fix them?

The short answer:
You should correct dangerous or unsatisfactory electrical issues as soon as possible — and landlords in the UK are legally required to do so within 28 days (or sooner if specified).

Here’s a full explanation of what those codes mean and what your next steps should be.

What an EICR Actually Shows
An EICR is a professional inspection and testing of your property’s electrical installation.
It checks that wiring, sockets, lighting, earthing, and protective devices all meet the latest BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
After the inspection, your electrician will issue a report with one of two outcomes:
-Satisfactory – everything meets current standards.
-Unsatisfactory – issues were found that need attention.
Unsatisfactory reports will list individual observations, each given a code to show how serious they are.

Understanding EICR Codes
-C1 Danger Present – risk of electric shock or fire - Must be fixed immediately
-C2 Potentially Dangerous – requires urgent remedial action - Should be fixed as soon as possible
-C3 Improvement Recommended – not dangerous, but could be safer - Optional upgrade
-FI Further Investigation Required – possible problem that needs checking - Investigate urgently

For Homeowners
If you own your home, there’s no legal deadline, but safety should always come first.
-C1 and C2 issues mean your electrics are unsafe — don’t delay repairs.
-FI codes must be investigated quickly to identify any hidden dangers.
-C3 codes can be planned as upgrades when convenient.
✅ A qualified electrician can provide a quotation to complete all remedial work and re-test once it’s done.

For Landlords – The 28-Day Rule
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must:
1. Have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years.
2. Provide a copy of the report to tenants.
3. Fix any C1, C2, or FI issues within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies.
4. Provide written confirmation that the work has been completed to:
-The tenant, and
-The local housing authority
Failing to comply can lead to fines of up to £30,000, so it’s vital to act promptly.

What Happens After the Repairs
Once remedial work is completed:
-Your electrician will re-test the installation.
-You’ll receive either a Minor Works Certificate or a new EICR confirming that all issues have been resolved.
-Keep both documents safe — you may need them for insurance, letting, or property sales.

Recommended Timescales
C1 Make safe and repair immediately - Same day
C2 Repair urgently - Within a few days
FI Investigate and repair - Within 7–14 days
C3 Optional improvement - At next convenience

Our customers choose us because we’re:
-Trusted and recommended
-Local and responsive
-Qualified and insured

Call today for a free, no-obligation estimate and see why so many homeowners and businesses rate us as their go-to electrician.

05/11/2025

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