HIP Packs - Can Help You Get All The Required Information

Home Information Pack (HIP) basically consists of two types of documentation:

• Compulsory information - such as the Sale Statement, Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ), Evidence of Title and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), sustainability information (required for newly built homes), sale statement and standard searches (local authority, drainage and water). For leasehold properties, a copy of the lease must also be included
• Optional information - such as the legal summary, home use/contents form, specialised search reports (e.g. a mining search) and the Home Condition Report, a legal report on the physical condition of the property that brings to light any problems which will incur repair costs

In the absence of any of the compulsory information that is missing, a document called the Home Information Pack Index will explain the valid reasons. HIP contains a legal requirement that states all of the compulsory items and certain documents that were no more than three months old when the property was first marketed for sale. HIPs for let properties can provide all the required information on HIP.

If you are a landlord and wish to rent out a house, you can make use of HIPs pack for tenanted property. This will provide you all the required information on HIPs. If you wish to know who is responsible for HIP, you can approach a party that is selling a property and is providing a Home Information Pack. HIPs buyer has the right to receive a copy of the Home Information Pack, except where the seller believes that the buyer can't afford the property, isn't genuinely interested or is a risk to it.  If you feel you're being unlawfully denied a copy, you can contact a local authority trading standards officer who will look into the case.