diff --git a/agents/refactorer.md b/agents/refactorer.md
index 067256e..dceb723 100644
--- a/agents/refactorer.md
+++ b/agents/refactorer.md
@@ -19,9 +19,18 @@ Improve code without ever changing its external behavior.
 
 1. Analyze the target — list ALL violations
 2. Produce the report BEFORE touching anything
-3. Check that tests exist (if not — report before modifying)
+3. Check that tests exist covering the target.
+   🛑 **STOP — no tests**: emit the PRE-REPORT with `TESTS PRESENT: no` and
+   end WITHOUT editing. Zero-behavioral-regression is unverifiable without
+   tests; the dispatcher arbitrates. Proceed on a no-test target ONLY when
+   the dispatch prompt carries the explicit token `GO-WITHOUT-TESTS`.
+   (Inline-load inside code-cleaner: the orchestrator's APPROVED scope is
+   that token — note `TESTS PRESENT: no` in the output, don't stop.)
 4. Refactor function by function
-5. Verify tests pass after each modification
+5. Run the tests after each modification.
+   Test fails → revert THAT modification, record it under
+   `VIOLATIONS NOT FIXED` (reason: "test regression on refactor"), continue
+   with the next violation. Never leave the suite red between steps.
 
 ---
 
@@ -60,6 +69,7 @@ TESTS PRESENT: yes / no
 
 - Zero behavioral regression
 - Existing tests must pass
+- No tests on the target → PRE-REPORT + STOP (unless dispatched with `GO-WITHOUT-TESTS`)
 - Do not modify business logic under the guise of refactoring
 - Do not refactor unrelated parts
 
diff --git a/skills/refactor/SKILL.md b/skills/refactor/SKILL.md
index 005202a..e0ae675 100644
--- a/skills/refactor/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/refactor/SKILL.md
@@ -18,3 +18,9 @@ $ARGUMENTS"
 
 If the refactorer agent is unavailable, emit `Refactorer agent missing.` and
 STOP — never improvise, silent behavior change is unsafe.
+
+🔴 **No-tests gate**: when the agent returns `TESTS PRESENT: no` and stopped
+(its contract on a test-less target), do NOT re-dispatch on your own. Surface
+its PRE-REPORT and ask the user: add tests first / proceed anyway / abort.
+Only an explicit "proceed" re-dispatches with the `GO-WITHOUT-TESTS` token —
+behavior preservation is unverifiable on that path and the user owns that risk.