What does the HIP Code mean to you ?

 
The full HIP Code is available on the PCCB web site. Our interpretation of some of the key commitments are as follows:
1 Key commitments from HIP Providers
• The subscribers to the HIP Code commits to display the Code logo prominently in their HIPs.
• To produce HIPs expeditiously and not delay the provision of a HIP or of any required HIP document for inclusion in a HIP.
• To promptly address queries or complaints raised on a HIP.
• To maintain HIP insurance to protect the public as required by the PCCB.
• To ensure that all HIPs services comply with relevant HIP laws, HIP regulations, and HIP industry standards.
2. Complying with HIP legislation, HIP registration rules and HIP standards
• To comply with appropriate HIP legislation and with guidance issued under that HIP legislation.
• To adhere with the HIP registration rules and Property Codes Compliance Board standards issued to registered HIP and HIP search providers.
• To report into the Property Codes Compliance Board any breach of the HIP Code, Search Code or HIP legislation of which we as a HIP Provider or as a Conveyancing firm brought to our attention and committed by an estate agent, a search provider or a HIP provider
3. HIP Services
• HIP Terms and conditions and HIP marketing materials relating to HIP services (regardless of format) should be clear and not misleading.
• To be transparent about HIP charges and payment terms for any HIP service.
• If further charges are payable, to advise of these as early as possible and provide an indication of cost.
• If fees for a HIP is deferred the HIP provider offers financing arrangements for the HIP to tell the public of this before the HIP service is offered.
• To respond to any queries raised on HIPs within seven working days.
• To train HIP staff to provide HIP services in accordance with the HIP Code.
4. Complaints about HIPs
• To produce a formal procedure for handling HIP complaints and such procedure to be included with the HIPs.
5. HIP Insurance
• To have HIP insurance as required by the Property Codes Compliance Board
6. Monitoring and Compliance
• To nominate a HIP Code Compliance Officer. At Fridaysmove the HIP Code Compliance Officer is Chris Paulton of our HIPs in London Team
• To audit compliance with the HIP code at least once a year.
• To issue an annual compliance statement, signed by the senior HIP executive responsible to the Property Code Compliance Board.
7. Information in the HIP
• If we were to include Home Condition Reports in the HIP we would need to ensure that they are provided by licensed Home Inspectors.
• Energy Performance Certificates must be prepared by registered Home Inspectors or accredited Domestic Energy Assessors.
• HIP searches must be supplied by local authorities, water and sewerage companies and statutory authorities or by private search firms which are currently registered with the PCCB.

Fridaysmove always ensures that it uses PCCB and HIP code compliant suppliers.