Getting an unsatisfactory EICR result can feel alarming — but it's more common than you might think, especially in older Cheshire properties. The important thing is knowing exactly what it means, what you're legally required to do, and how quickly you need to act. This guide walks you through everything.
Understanding the EICR Codes: C1, C2 and C3
Every issue found during an EICR inspection is classified with one of three codes:
Danger Present — Immediate Action Required
A C1 means there is a risk of injury from electric shock or fire. The electrician may disconnect the affected circuit immediately. As a landlord, you must arrange remedial work urgently — before the tenant continues to use the affected installation.
Potential Danger — Urgent Remedial Action Required
A C2 means there is a potential danger that could become a C1 if left unaddressed. You have 28 days to carry out the remedial work (or sooner if the report specifies). A C2 makes the overall report "Unsatisfactory".
Improvement Recommended — No Immediate Action Required
A C3 is a recommendation only. It does not make the report unsatisfactory and there is no legal obligation to carry out the work — though it's good practice to do so. A report with only C3 codes will still be issued as "Satisfactory".
What Are You Legally Required to Do?
If your EICR is unsatisfactory (C1 or C2 issues found), the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require you to:
- Carry out all required remedial work within 28 days of the inspection (or sooner if specified in the report)
- Obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the work has been completed satisfactorily
- Provide a copy of both the original EICR and the completion certificate to your tenant within 28 days
- Provide copies to the local authority within 7 days if requested
Common Reasons for an Unsatisfactory EICR in Cheshire Properties
Cheshire has a large stock of Victorian, Edwardian and 1930s properties — many of which have electrical installations that haven't been updated in decades. The most common issues we find include:
No RCD Protection
Older consumer units without residual current device protection — a very common C2 in pre-2000 properties
Deteriorated Wiring
Rubber or fabric-insulated wiring that has become brittle and cracked over time
Outdated Consumer Unit
Old fuse boards with rewirable fuses rather than modern MCBs and RCDs
Inadequate Earthing
Missing or inadequate earthing and bonding, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens
DIY Wiring
Previous DIY electrical work that doesn't meet BS 7671 standards
Overloaded Circuits
Circuits that have been extended beyond their original design capacity
How Long Does Remedial Work Take?
It depends on what was found. A single C2 issue — such as a missing earth bond or a faulty socket — can often be fixed in a couple of hours on the same day as the inspection. More significant issues, such as a full consumer unit replacement or rewiring of specific circuits, may take a day or two.
POES UK carries out all remedial work identified in our EICR reports. We aim to complete straightforward remedial work on the same visit where possible, so you can get your satisfactory certificate quickly and stay compliant.
EICR Inspections Across Cheshire
We carry out EICR inspections and remedial work across the full Cheshire area. If you're a landlord in any of these areas, we can help:
For more on your obligations as a Cheshire landlord, read our guide to EICR certificates for Cheshire landlords and our article on the fines landlords face without a valid EICR.
Got an Unsatisfactory EICR? We Can Help.
We carry out EICR inspections and all remedial work across Cheshire. NICEIC Approved. Fast turnaround.