All our HIP providers comply with the HIP Code. This Code provides protection for homebuyers, sellers, estate agents, conveyancers and mortgage lenders who rely on the information included in a Home Information Pack (HIP) provided on residential property within England and Wales. It sets out minimum standards which HIP providers have to meet.
The HIP Code is owned and maintained by the Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP). All HIPs which comply with this Code will include the HIP Code logo and you can check whether a HIP provider subscribes to the Code by contacting the Property Codes Compliance Board www.propertycodes.org.uk.
Subscribers to this Code, promise to:
- Ensure that the terms and conditions of their HIP services comply with this Code.
- Display the Code logo prominently in their HIPs.
- Provide HIPs promptly. They will not delay, nor accept instructions to delay, the provision of a HIP or of any item required for inclusion in a HIP. Any action taken (or failure to take action) knowingly to delay the provision of a HIP would not be compliant with this Code.
- If there is a delay in producing the HIP, they will inform you of this and why the delay has occurred.
- Train their staff properly to provide HIPs with thoroughness and diligence, in line with the commitments set out in this Code.
- Respond promptly to queries raised on a HIP, to ensure improved understanding.
- Handle complaints speedily and fairly.
- At all times maintain adequate and appropriate indemnity insurance cover to protect you.
- Act with integrity and ensure that all HIPs services comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Complaints
Subscribers have a formal written complaints procedure for handling complaints speedily and fairly. If you wish to make a complaint, it will be handled as follows:
- The complaint will be acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt.
- A complaint will normally be dealt with fully within 4 weeks of its receipt. If there are valid reasons for the consideration taking longer, you will be kept fully informed in writing or via telephone or email as you prefer and receive a response at the very latest within 8 weeks.
- At your request, they will liaise with counselling organisations acting on your behalf.
- A final decision will be in writing or via email, as appropriate.
- If you are not satisfied with the final outcome, you may refer the complaint to the Independent Property Codes Adjudication Scheme and they will give you contact details.
- They will co-operate fully with the independent adjudicator during the resolution investigation and comply with any decision
Insurance
Subscribers will at all times maintain adequate and appropriate insurance to protect you against both negligence and loss, due to our failure to perform our duties under this Code
Property Codes Compliance Board (the PCCB)
The Code is monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board, which is an independent body funded by registered firms. Its Board comprises representatives of lenders, conveyancers, HIP providers, search organisations and has a majority of consumer interest members.
The address is:
The Property Codes Compliance Board
212 Piccadilly
London W1J 9HG
Information in the HIP
Subscribers will:
- Only use Home Condition Reports which are provided by licensed Home Inspectors
- Only use Energy Performance Certificates which are provided by registered Home Inspectors or accredited Domestic Energy Assessors.
- Only use searches supplied by local authorities, water and sewerage companies, statutory authorities and private search firms which subscribe to the Search Code.
- Retain for a minimum of six years the latest version of a HIP provided by us.
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