Updated: 27 September 2026. If an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) comes back with codes such as C1, C2, C3 or FI, the letters matter because they indicate different levels of electrical-safety concern and different next steps for a landlord.
For landlords in England, current government guidance says electrical installations in rented homes must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. The resulting report—usually an EICR—records whether the installation is satisfactory and whether remedial work or further investigation is required.
EICR codes explained at a glance
| Code | Meaning | Typical landlord action |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. Risk of injury. | Immediate action is required to remove or make the danger safe. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. | Urgent remedial work is required. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | The improvement is recommended, but C3 alone does not make the EICR unsatisfactory. |
| FI | Further investigation required without delay. | Arrange the required investigation and then complete any necessary remedial work. |
These classifications are reflected in current government electrical-safety guidance and industry best-practice guidance.
What does EICR code C1 mean?
C1 means “danger present” and there is a risk of injury. This is the most serious classification. Government guidance notes that an electrical inspector may make a C1 hazard safe before leaving the property.
A landlord should treat a C1 observation as requiring immediate attention. The exact remedial work depends on the defect identified by the qualified electrical professional; the code itself is not a substitute for the technical description in the report.
What does EICR code C2 mean?
C2 means “potentially dangerous”. It indicates that urgent remedial action is required. Where an EICR contains a C1 or C2 observation, government guidance states that remedial work is required and the report will be regarded as unsatisfactory for continued use until the relevant issues are addressed.
C2 is therefore not something a landlord should treat as an optional recommendation. The qualified person who completed the inspection should provide enough detail in the report to identify the issue and the action required.
What does EICR code C3 mean?
C3 means “improvement recommended”. Unlike C1 and C2, a C3 observation does not by itself mean the installation is unsatisfactory and does not create the same remedial-work requirement under the electrical-safety regulations.
That does not mean a C3 should automatically be ignored. A C3 identifies an area where safety could be improved. Landlords and property managers may decide to incorporate recommended improvements into planned maintenance, refurbishment or future electrical works.
What does FI mean on an EICR?
FI means “further investigation required without delay”. It is used where the inspector cannot reach a sufficient conclusion without additional investigation.
For landlords, FI is important because government guidance says the required investigative work must be carried out. The investigation may then identify remedial work that also needs to be completed.
Does a C1, C2 or FI make an EICR unsatisfactory?
In practical landlord terms, C1 and C2 require remedial work, while FI requires further investigation. These findings prevent the report from being treated as satisfactory until the required action has been completed and appropriately confirmed.
A C3 is different: it is an improvement recommendation and does not, on its own, make the EICR unsatisfactory.
How long does a landlord have to complete EICR remedial work?
Where an EICR identifies remedial work or further investigation, current government guidance says landlords must complete the work within 28 days, or within a shorter period if the report specifies one.
After the work is completed, the landlord must provide the appropriate written confirmation to the tenant and, where required, to the local authority within the relevant timeframe. Appropriate confirmation may include a satisfactory EICR, Electrical Installation Certificate, Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or other suitable electrical certification.
How often is an EICR required for rented property?
For rented homes covered by the electrical-safety regulations in England, electrical installations must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. A report may specify that the next inspection should happen sooner.
The government guidance also states that landlords must provide the report to an existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection, to a new tenant before they occupy the property, and to a prospective tenant within 28 days if requested.
Do the rules now cover social housing?
Yes. The regulations were extended to the social rented sector in 2025. Current guidance states that the requirements apply to social housing tenancies granted after 1 December 2025, with transitional arrangements for older tenancies. If you manage social housing, see our EICR service.
What should a London landlord do after receiving an unsatisfactory EICR?
- Read the observations and codes carefully. Identify every C1, C2 and FI item.
- Check the deadline. The legal maximum is generally 28 days for required remedial or investigative work, but the report can require action sooner.
- Use a suitably qualified electrical professional. Remedial work and further investigation should be handled by an appropriately competent person.
- Keep certification. Retain the original EICR plus the documentation confirming that required work has been completed.
- Provide the required copies. Make sure tenants and the local authority receive documentation where the regulations require it.
- Record C3 recommendations. Even where they are not mandatory remedials, include them in planned-maintenance decisions.
EICR and electrical remedials through Primelinks Solutions
Primelinks Solutions helps landlords, letting agents and property managers coordinate electrical-safety requirements across London. For an inspection requirement, see our EICR service. If an existing report already identifies defects, see EICR service.
For a broader explanation of landlord responsibilities, see our EICR service. If you are managing several properties, our landlord compliance packs can help organise requirements across a portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Is C2 an EICR failure?
A C2 observation means the installation is potentially dangerous and remedial work is required. An EICR containing C2 observations will be unsatisfactory until the required issues are properly addressed.
Does a C3 need to be fixed?
C3 means improvement recommended. Government guidance says further remedial work is not required solely because of a C3 for the report to be deemed satisfactory, although carrying out the improvement can increase safety.
What is worse, C1 or C2?
C1 is the more immediate classification because it means danger is present and there is a risk of injury. C2 means potentially dangerous and still requires urgent remedial action.
What should I do if my EICR says FI?
Arrange the required further investigation without delay. The investigation may identify additional remedial work that must then be completed.
Need help with an EICR?
If you already have an EICR with C1, C2, C3 or FI observations, send the report details with your enquiry so the appropriate next step can be identified. Use Get a Quote for a known requirement or landlord compliance packs if you are unsure which service is needed.
This article provides general information and is not legal or electrical engineering advice. The required response depends on the specific report and property.