An EICR is classed as unsatisfactory if the inspecting electrician finds potentially dangerous faults in your rental property’s electrical system. Any faults that are coded C1, C2 or FI will cause an unsatisfactory result. The next step is to rectify those issues within the time limit specified by the report.
Receiving an unsatisfactory Landlords EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) can be worrying, especially as a landlord in Brighton. However, it doesn’t automatically mean costly repairs ahead. In many cases, it simply means that certain issues need attention to ensure the property is safe for tenants.
What makes a Landlords EICR unsatisfactory?
Most Landlord EICR’s receive an unsatisfactory due to wear & tear, ageing accessories or small faults, and more rarely, due to a major electrical fault. Addressing these issues early is usually easier, safer and more cost effective.
During a Landlords EICR in Brighton, any defects found are given codes based on their level of ri
The most common codes are:
C1 – Danger Present - There is an immediate risk of injury, electric shock or fire and requires urgent action.
C2 – Potentially Dangerous – There is a potentially dangerous defect that could become a safety risk if left unsolved.
FI – Further Investigation Required – There is something that requires additional investigation.
C3 – Improvement Required – There is an aspect of the installation that does not meet current standards but is not considered unsafe. This is advisory only and does not make the report unsatisfactory.
If a Landlords EICR contains a C1, C2 or FI observation, the overall report will be unsatisfactory.
An example of an unsatisfactory EICR
Not so long ago, I carried out a Landlords EICR at a two-bedroom maisonette on Shirley Street in Brighton. The property was occupied by a young professional couple. This was the landlord's first rental property, so they were new to their responsibilities.
When I called the landlord, he was concerned to learn that the report was unsatisfactory. However, once I explained my findings to him, it was clear the issues were minor and straight forward to rectify.
My inspection identified a cracked socket in the kitchen, a loose socket in the bedroom and a few other minor issues. While these faults weren’t causing immediate problems, they do have the potential to become very dangerous over time. Fortunately, the repairs were simple and completed quickly.
How long do Landlords have to fix EICR issues?
In most cases, landlords have 28 days to fix any of the issues identified. However, the electrician may decide they need fixing sooner than that.
The good news is that once the electrician has fixed the issues, you do not need to arrange another Landlord's EICR.
Instead, the electrician who carries out the work can provide written confirmation that the issues have been corrected, and the electrical installation now meets required safety standards.
It is important to keep copies of both the original Landlords EICR and the electrician’s written notes for your records. These documents may be required by tenants, letting agents, mortgage providers or insurance companies.
Why you shouldn’t ignore minor faults
The Shirley Street property shows us why even small issues should be sorted right away. A cracked socket or loose fitting may not seem urgent but electrical faults can worsen over time and could lead to overheating, electrical shocks or fire risks.
As a landlord, you have a legal responsibility to ensure the electrical installation in your rental property is safe throughout the tenancy. This isn’t just about complying with regulations, it’s about protecting the people living in your property. Keeping your property in good condition helps reduce risks and avoid costly problems down the line!
Need help with a landlord EICR in Brighton?
Whether you’re managing multiple rental properties or you’re a first-time landlord, we’re here to help. We provide professional EICR inspections, clear explanations of any findings and fast corrective work to keep your rental property safe and compliant.
Get in touch today to arrange your next landlords EICR in Brighton!
