What is Included in the Home Information Packs (HIPS)

The new regulations stipulate that two categories of documents should be contained within the packs. The first category is defined as "required"; the second category is designated "authorised".

The "required" documents MUST be available in the pack when stipulated; the "authorised" documents need only be included at the discretion of the seller.

The "required" documents comprise:

A full index of the contents of the pack.
A statement of sale (summarising the actual terms of the sale).
An Evidence of Title Document.
Standard searches (which may include enquiries from local authorities and a standard drainage and water search).
An Energy Performance Certificate.

The following documents should also be included, where appropriate:

Any existing commonhold information (may include a copy of commonhold community statement).
Information on leasehold status (may include a certified copy of the lease, or any available information on insurance or service charges).

The "authorised" or volunteered documents may comprise:

Other relevant searches.
Any current guarantees or warranties.
A home condition report.

In the event of any essential items being unavailable for inclusion in the pack, the reasons for this must be fully explained in the index. The seller must also guarantee to produce any missing documents regarding leasehold, commonhold or search information as a matter of urgency. Except in exceptional circumstances, this should be deemed within 28 days. However, in the event of the seller being unable to produce the documents within the stipulated period of the 28 days, proof must be provided as to why they have not been produced and assurances validated that requests and inquiries in regard to obtaining them have been vigorously attempted.