EICR Remedial Work for Landlords in Essex

EICR remedial work is the fixing of electrical faults uncovered during an inspection. Landlords must repair dangerous faults and address issues which fail inspection. Flagged repairs must be completed within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report states so. After the repairs, your electrician must provide written proof of the work. Confirming whether the electrical installation meets safety standards.

Why Has Your Rental Property Failed Its EICR?

An ‘unsatisfactory’ EICR means the electrical system has faults which need attention. It doesn’t automatically mean you need a full rewire. The report has codes to show the type of fault and how serious it is.

• C1 – Danger Present: An immediate risk of injury. Action is needed to make the installation safe.
• C2 – Potentially Dangerous: A fault which could cause injury and needs repair.
• FI – Further Investigation: More checks are needed without delay to find the cause of a fault.
• C3 – Improvement Recommended: An issue worth improving (doesn’t cause an EICR failure).

C1, C2 and FI codes make an EICR unsatisfactory. C3 recommendations alone don’t.

What EICR Remedial Work Might Your Property Need?

The repairs depend on the faults found during your inspection.

Some involve replacing a socket or fixing a loose connection. Others need more work to make your rental property safe.

Common EICR remedial repairs include:

• Sockets and switches: Repairing or replacing damaged fittings and loose connections. Further investigation of signs of overheating.
• Electrical wiring: Replacing damaged cables and fixing unsafe wiring.
• Earthing and bonding: Fixes to ensure the earthing and bonding work correctly.
• RCD protection: Fitting or replacing safety devices within the Consumer Unit.
• Lighting: Repairing or replacing unsafe light fittings, switches and connections.
• Consumer units: Repairing faults or replacing dated or unsafe fuse boxes.

Your EICR should list the faults found. Your electrician can then assess which repairs are needed.

How Long Do Landlords Have to Complete EICR Remedials?

Landlords in England must complete required EICR remedial work within 28 days of the inspection.

A shorter deadline applies if the report says the work must be done sooner.

Your legal duties include:

• Acting on C1 faults where immediate danger is present.
• Repairing C2 faults and arranging further checks for FI codes.
• Completing the required work within the legal deadline.
• Getting written confirmation from a qualified electrician.
• Sending the report and written confirmation to your tenants and local council. (within 28 days of completing the work).

Ignoring an unsatisfactory EICR could put your tenants at risk. You could also face council enforcement action and financial penalties.

Get repairs fixed ASAP. Don’t leave them until the deadline is approaching.

How Much Does EICR Remedial Work Cost?

An unsatisfactory EICR doesn’t always mean a large repair bill.

The cost of EICR remedial work depends on the faults found and the repairs needed.

Several factors determine the price:

• The number of faults listed on your EICR.
• The type of electrical repairs required.
• Access to wiring, sockets and other fittings.
• The cost of parts and labour.
• Whether further testing or a new consumer unit is needed.

A few small repairs will cost less than replacing a consumer unit or sections of wiring.

Following an unsatisfactory EICR, your Electrician should quote the required work. You can find out what needs fixing and the cost before agreeing to the work.

Can a Different Electrician Carry Out Your EICR Remedial Work?

You don’t have to use the electrician who completed your original EICR.

A different qualified electrician can review the report and carry out the repairs.

The process involves:

• Checking the faults listed on your EICR.
• Assessing the work needed to make the installation safe.
• Providing a quote for the repairs.
• Completing and testing the required work.
• Providing written confirmation and required certificates.

If you don’t use the same electrician, keep a copy of your original report. Your new electrician will need the details to assess the faults.

Do You Need a New EICR After Remedial Work?

You don’t always need another full EICR after repairs.

The electrician must provide suitable written proof of the work completed. The paperwork depends on the repairs.

You may receive:

• Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate: For suitable repairs or changes to existing circuits.
• Electrical Installation Certificate: For work such as fitting a new consumer unit.
• Written confirmation: Details of the repairs. Confirmation the installation now meets safety standards.

Keep the original EICR alongside your repair documents. Both help show the faults were dealt with.

Can You Rent Out a Property With an Unsatisfactory EICR?

An unsatisfactory EICR means your electrical installation has failed its safety assessment.

As a landlord, you must ensure the installation meets the required safety standards.

Your duties include:

• Taking action to make dangerous electrics safe.
• Completing required repairs within the legal deadline.
• Providing the latest EICR to new tenants before they move in.
• Keeping records of electrical repairs and certificates.

A failed EICR doesn’t automatically ban you from renting in every case. However, you must not ignore unsafe electrics or your legal duties.

Property between tenancies? Arrange the required repairs before letting it again.

Does Your Rental Property Need a New Consumer Unit?

A failed EICR doesn’t mean your Consumer Unit needs replacing.

Older consumer units can remain in use if they meet current safety standards.

However, some faults may call for repairs or a new consumer unit.

Common reasons include:

• Damaged or unsafe consumer units.
• Faulty circuit breakers.
• Missing or inadequate electrical protection.
• Unsafe connections
• Signs of overheating.
• Faults which cannot be fixed through suitable repairs.

A qualified electrician can assess whether your existing unit can be repaired or needs replacing.

EICR Remedial Work Across Essex

Received an unsatisfactory EICR? You need to know what needs fixing, what the repairs will cost and how to meet your legal duties.

TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services can help.

Our services include:

• EICR remedial repairs.
• Consumer unit repairs and replacements.
• NICEIC-registered electricians.
• Fully insured team.
• Free, no-obligation surveys and quotes.
• A full range of additional electrical services

Need EICR remedial work for your rental property? Please get in touch with us using the phone number or email below.