Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered below please contact us

Q1. I am selling my home, do I need an EPC ?
   A- Yes you do, it's a legal requirement to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate before marketing your property.

Q2. I am selling my home, do I need a HIP ?
   A - Yes you do, it's a legal requirement to obtain a Home Information Pack before marketing your property. See question 10 below.

Q3. I am selling my home, do I need a Home Condition Report ?
   A - No, there is no legal requirement to provide a Home Condition Report but it is recommended.

Q4. I am renting out my house do I need an EPC ?
   A - Yes, it is now a legal requirement to provide your tenant with an EPC.

Q5. I am renting out my flat do I need a HIP ?
   A - No, there is no legal requirement to provide a HIP when renting out your house or flat.

Q6. I am renting my house do I need a Home Condition Report (HCR)?
   A - No, there is no legal requirement to provide a HCR when renting out your house or flat.

Q7. I have a commercial property, a shop that I lease to my tenant, do I need an EPC or a HIP ?
   A - You are legally required to provide an EPC and you risk a fine of up to £5000 if you do not obtain one. There is no legal requirement to provide a HIP for commercial properties.

Q8. I rent out my house, do I need an electrical safety test ?
   A - There is no specific law that mandates an electrical safety test but there are laws that would suggest one is an extremely good idea.  You may also find that an insurance policy won't pay out if you don't have one (read your policy) and some housing authorities won't accept your property without one.

Q9. How long does it take for you to complete an EPC?
   A - An EPC is usually completed within 2 working days depending on your availability. If you order a HIP you do not need to order a separate EPC as one is included in the pack.

Q10. How long does it take for you to complete a HIP? Can I market my property ?
   A - A HIP takes between 4 and 7 days and sometimes longer. Local searches need to be completed with your local authorities and it is the speed of your local authorities that determines how quickly the HIP can be produced.  Your estate agent will usually market your property from the day you place an order with us and we can send an order acknowledgement to your estate agent if requested.

Q11. How long does it take to complete an electrical safety test ?
   A - A visual electrical safety test is usually completed within 3 working days depending on your availability.

Q12. How long does it take to complete a Home Condition Report ?
   A - A Home Condition Report is usually completed within 3 working days depending on your availability but may take longer.