C1 means danger present, act immediately. C2 means potentially dangerous, fix urgently. FI means further investigation is needed without delay. C3 means improvement recommended. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory. Landlords in England must have those items put right within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
The four codes
| Code | Meaning | Fails the report? | Landlord deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. Risk of injury now. | Yes | Made safe immediately, fixed within 28 days |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial work required. | Yes | 28 days, or sooner if stated |
| FI | Further investigation required without delay. | Yes | 28 days, or sooner if stated |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | No | None |
The C2s we see on Greater Manchester reports
- Missing or undersized main protective bonding to the gas and water pipes where they enter the house.
- Exposed live parts: missing blanks in the board, cracked socket fronts, damaged accessories.
- No RCD protection where the inspector judges it necessary, for example for sockets likely to supply equipment outdoors.
- Signs of overheating at the board or an accessory.
- Earthing problems, including no earth to lighting circuits with metal fittings.
Many of these are cheaper to fix than people expect. Bonding is £80 to £150. Others, such as a board with no RCD protection, are best solved by replacing it, from £449 fixed. See failed EICR remedial work.
After
AfterWhat the law asks of landlords in England
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to:
- Have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years, or sooner if the report says so.
- Give a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days, and to new tenants before they move in.
- Give a copy to the local council within 7 days if asked.
- Complete remedial or investigative work within 28 days, or the shorter period the report gives.
- Send written confirmation that the work is done, from the electrician, to the tenant and the council within 28 days of completing it.
Councils can impose financial penalties of up to £30,000 for breaches. In practice the fix is usually quick, and the paperwork is the part people miss.
How we close out a failed report
- Send the report and three photos of the board, the meter tails and the earthing.
- We price every C1, C2 and FI line by line, in writing, usually the same day.
- We fit within the week in most cases, and arrange access with your tenant or agent.
- You get the certificates and written confirmation that every item is complete, ready to send to your tenant and the council.
