EICR remedial works checklist

Why it matters

Failing to promptly address EICR remedial works can result in substantial fines, prohibition orders preventing property letting, and even imprisonment for severe breaches. Landlords also risk civil claims for damages if electrical faults cause injury or property damage to tenants. Additionally, non-compliance can invalidate landlord insurance policies, leaving you exposed to significant financial liabilities should an incident occur. Ensuring electrical safety is paramount for protecting both your tenants and your investment.

Legal requirements

• Landlords must ensure electrical installations in their rental properties are safe at the start of every new tenancy and maintained in a safe condition throughout.
• An EICR must be obtained from a qualified person at least every five years, or more frequently if specified in the previous report, for all residential tenancies.
• Any C1 (Danger present) or C2 (Potentially Dangerous) defects identified in the EICR must be remedied within 28 days of the report date, or sooner if specified by the inspecting electrician.
• Confirmation that the remedial works have been completed by a qualified person and that the electrical installation is now safe must be obtained.
• A copy of the EICR and written confirmation of completed remedial works must be provided to existing tenants within 28 days of the works' completion.
• New tenants must receive a copy of the most recent EICR and confirmation of any completed remedial works before they occupy the property.
• Local authorities have the power to enforce electrical safety standards and can impose penalties for non-compliance.
• Recommended C3 (Improvement recommended) issues, while not immediately dangerous, should be considered for future action to enhance electrical safety and system longevity.
• All electrical work must be carried out by a person competent to do so, typically an electrician registered with a government-approved scheme.
• Landlords must keep records of all EICRs and remedial works for at least six years, or until the next EICR is due, whichever is longer.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring C2 'potentially dangerous' defects, believing they are not as critical as C1 'danger present' faults.
• Not providing tenants with a copy of the EICR and the confirmation of remedial works within the specified timescales.
• Using unqualified or uncertified electricians to carry out remedial work, which can lead to further safety issues and invalidate compliance.
• Failing to understand the difference between C1, C2, and C3 codes and their respective deadlines for resolution.
• Delaying remedial works beyond the 28-day statutory limit, or failing to obtain a shorter deadline if specified by the electrician.
• Not keeping proper records of EICRs, remedial work invoices, and completion certificates.
• Assuming that an EICR is only required at the start of a tenancy or every five years, and ignoring specific recommendations for earlier re-inspection.
• Attempting to carry out complex electrical repairs themselves without the necessary qualifications and experience.

Practical guidance

• Upon receiving the EICR, carefully review it to understand all identified defects and observations, paying close attention to the C1, C2, and C3 classifications.
• For C1 (Danger present) and C2 (Potentially dangerous) defects, immediately contact a qualified electrician to schedule remedial works.
• Ensure the chosen electrician is competent and registered with a government-approved scheme, such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or STROMA.
• Obtain quotes for the necessary remedial works, detailing exactly what needs to be done to address each identified fault.
• Schedule and supervise the remedial works, ensuring they are completed within 28 days of the EICR date, or sooner if the C1 fault requires immediate action.
• Upon completion, obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the remedial works have been carried out and the electrical installation is now safe.
• Provide copies of the updated EICR and the confirmation of remedial works to all existing tenants within 28 days of the works' completion.
• For new tenancies, ensure the most recent EICR and remedial work confirmation are provided to prospective tenants before they move in.
• Retain all documentation - the EICR, invoices for remedial work, and completion certificates - securely for at least six years.
• Periodically review C3 (Improvement recommended) observations and consider addressing them during routine maintenance to prevent future issues.

Understanding EICR Classification Codes

The EICR uses a standardized coding system to classify the severity of electrical issues. A C1 code signifies 'Danger present', indicating an immediate threat to safety, such as exposed live wires. These faults require immediate action to remove the danger. A C2 code means 'Potentially Dangerous', suggesting a fault that could become dangerous if not rectified, such as inadequate earthing. Both C1 and C2 defects must be remedied within 28 days of the EICR date, or sooner if specified by the electrician. A C3 code, 'Improvement recommended', indicates that while the installation is not immediately dangerous, improvements would enhance safety or reliability. While not legally mandated for immediate action, addressing C3 recommendations is good practice for long-term safety and maintenance. An 'FI' code, 'Further investigation required', means more checks are needed to determine if a fault exists. If an FI code is given, this further investigation must also be completed within 28 days.

Selecting a Qualified Electrician for Remedial Work

It is crucial that any remedial electrical work is carried out by a competent and qualified person. In England, electricians carrying out EICRs and associated remedial work should be registered with a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or STROMA. These schemes ensure that electricians meet specific technical and safety standards. Landlords should request proof of registration and qualifications before commissioning any work. Always obtain written quotes for the remedial work, clearly detailing what will be done to address each C1 or C2 fault. Keep all invoices and completion certificates as part of your property's electrical safety records. Incorrectly performed electrical work can lead to serious hazards, invalidate warranties, and result in further compliance issues and potential legal action. Do not attempt complex electrical repairs yourself unless you are a qualified electrician.

Documentation and Tenant Notification

Maintaining accurate records is a fundamental part of EICR compliance. Once remedial works for C1 or C2 defects are completed, the electrician must provide written confirmation that the issues have been rectified and that the electrical installation is now safe. This might be in the form of a minor electrical installation works certificate or an updated EICR. You must then provide a copy of the EICR and this written confirmation of completed remedial works to all existing tenants within 28 days of the works being completed. For new tenancies, the most recent EICR, along with any relevant confirmation of remedial works, must be provided to prospective tenants before they occupy the property. Keep all these documents – EICRs, remedial work invoices, and completion certificates – for at least six years, or until the next EICR is due, whichever period is longer. These records are vital evidence of your compliance should an issue arise or if the local authority requests them.

Regional Differences: Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

While electrical safety is a universal concern, specific regulations regarding EICRs and remedial works can vary slightly across the UK. In England, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandate EICRs every five years and the rectification of C1 and C2 faults within 28 days. In Scotland, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 places a duty on landlords to ensure electrical safety, often interpreted as requiring EICRs every five years or at the start of a new tenancy, whichever is sooner, and immediate attention to defects. Wales operates under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which requires landlords to keep the property in repair and fit for human habitation, implicitly covering electrical safety, but doesn't prescribe a specific EICR frequency, though five-yearly is best practice. Northern Ireland's legislation focuses on general fitness for human habitation under the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, with no explicit EICR frequency, but the Landlord and Tenant (NI) Order 1978 requires landlords to maintain electrical installations in good repair and proper working order. Always check the specific guidance for the devolved nation where your property is located, typically found on gov.scot, gov.wales, or nidirect.gov.uk, to ensure full compliance.