An EICR is an electrical installation condition report carried out to ensure the building is safe for tenants to use. They must be conducted by a qualified electrician to check visually and performance-wise whether everything is safe and functions properly.
As of June 2020, all UK landlords must undertake an inspection at least every 5 years. The test will either come back as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Naturally, a satisfactory return won’t require further action, but an unsatisfactory report will, and tenants aren’t allowed to move in until such issues are fixed.
Keep reading to learn what it means if an EICR inspection is unsatisfactory and what to do after receiving an unsatisfactory EICR.
What makes an EICR unsatisfactory?
When faults are found in a building, each issue will be coded under four categories. Any issue marked as C1, C2 or FI will lead to an EICR inspection being unsatisfactory. Here’s a quick summary of the different codes and what they mean:
- C1 Code 1: Danger present – There is a risk of injury that requires immediate action to be taken to make the area as safe as possible
- C2 Code 2: Potentially dangerous – Urgent action must be taken to remove the risks and make the area safe
- FI: Further investigation – The issue needs to be investigated further, which means the inspector will return at the earliest possible opportunity
- C3 Code 3: Improvement recommended – This issue doesn’t need to be fixed or dealt with immediately, but should be to make the building safer
Naturally, Code 1 should be taken seriously, and immediate action must be taken.
What happens if an EICR is unsatisfactory?
A qualified electrician must undertake an EICR and, if the report is deemed unsatisfactory, the business or landlord will be notified immediately. Here’s what to do when an EICR comes back as unsatisfactory.
- Fix the issues without delay
The first step is to fix the issues reported within the given timeframe and comply with all relevant procedures. For example, a Code 1 issue is serious and immediate action must be taken.
Most issues must be fixed within 28 days, but it will be stated if fixes are required sooner. Landlords are not able to move tenants into a building with an unsatisfactory EICR. Other rules may also apply, depending on the issue’s severity.
- Obtain confirmation of resolution
The engineer or electrician responsible for fixing the issue must provide written confirmation that the issue has been fixed. This could be in the form of a certificate of completed works or another appropriate record.
- Update EICR
Once remedial action has been taken, a new EICR inspection is not required. But the written confirmation from the engineer responsible for fixing the issue must be used to update the EICR and associated records.
Fix an unsatisfactory EICR today
At Intersafe, our qualified team of electricians can perform EICR inspections and help landlords fix unsatisfactory EICR certificates.
Get in touch today to enquire about our services and how we can help.
