Remedial Work After an Unsatisfactory EICR: Your Next Steps

Receiving an Unsatisfactory EICR

An unsatisfactory EICR does not mean your property is unlettable — it means specific defects need fixing before the installation can be certified as safe. The key is acting quickly and using a competent, registered electrician. Under the 2020 Electrical Safety Regulations, you have 28 days to complete remedial work (or sooner if C1 issues are present), and you must provide written confirmation of completion to tenants and the local authority.

Do not panic. Most unsatisfactory EICRs are caused by common, easily fixable issues. The majority of our clients' properties go from unsatisfactory to satisfactory within a single visit.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Next

Follow this process to move from unsatisfactory to satisfactory efficiently and without stress.

• Step 1: Review the EICR carefully. Note every C1, C2, and FI code and understand what each means.
• Step 2: Prioritise C1 codes first — these present immediate danger and may require tenant notification.
• Step 3: Obtain quotations from at least one NAPIT or NICEIC-registered electrician for all remedial work.
• Step 4: Accept a quotation and schedule the work. Confirm the electrician can also issue the updated certificate.
• Step 5: Notify tenants of the planned work and any temporary power restrictions.
• Step 6: After work completion, request written confirmation from the electrician that all defects are resolved.
• Step 7: Provide the updated EICR and confirmation to existing tenants within 28 days.
• Step 8: Keep all documentation for at least 5 years and provide copies to the local authority if requested.

Who Should Carry Out the Remedial Work?

The electrician who carried out the original EICR can also carry out remedial work, but they are not obligated to do so. You can use any competent, registered electrician. However, there are advantages to using the same contractor:

• They already understand the installation and have documented all defects
• They can often complete the work faster without a second familiarisation visit
• They can issue the updated EICR certificate immediately upon completion
• You avoid coordination between multiple contractors
• Combined inspection + remedial quotes are often more competitive

Typical Remedial Costs

Costs vary based on the number and type of defects, property size, and accessibility. Below are typical ranges for common C2 remedial work in Manchester and Stockport properties.

• RCD addition to existing consumer unit
• Consumer unit replacement (6-way metal)
• Earthing electrode installation
• Supplementary bonding upgrade
• Circuit rewiring (per circuit)
• Socket replacement (per unit)
• Full property rewire (3-bed)

After the Work Is Complete

Once remedial work is finished, the electrician should provide:

• A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) for minor works, or an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for major works. • An updated EICR showing all previously identified defects are now resolved and the installation is satisfactory. • A written statement confirming the installation is safe for continued use.

You must provide the updated EICR to existing tenants within 28 days and to any new tenant before they move in. Keep copies of all documentation for at least 5 years.