BAILII is celebrating 24 years of free online access to the law! Would you consider making a contribution?

No donation is too small. If every visitor before 31 December gives just £5, it will have a significant impact on BAILII's ability to continue providing free access to the law.
Thank you very much for your support!



BAILII [Home] [Databases] [World Law] [Multidatabase Search] [Help] [Feedback]

United Kingdom Statutory Instruments


You are here: BAILII >> Databases >> United Kingdom Statutory Instruments >> The Home Information Pack (No. 2) Regulations 2007 No. 1667
URL: http://www.bailii.org/uk/legis/num_reg/2007/20071667.html

[New search] [Help]



STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS


2007 No. 1667

HOUSING, ENGLAND AND WALES

The Home Information Pack (No. 2) Regulations 2007

  Made 8th June 2007 
  Laid before Parliament 11th June 2007 
  Coming into force 2nd July 2007 


CONTENTS


PART 1

CITATION, COMMENCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION
1. Citation and commencement
2. Interpretation – general provisions
3. Interpretation – first point of marketing

PART 2

HOME INFORMATION PACK - GENERAL PROVISIONS
4. Required, authorised and excluded documents
5. The home information pack
6. Copies of a home information pack
7. Comprehension of documents

PART 3

CONTENTS OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS
8. Required pack documents
9. Authorised pack documents
10. Creation of interests
11. Prohibitions relating to home condition reports
12. Exclusion of advertising information

PART 4

ASSEMBLY OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS
13. Order of pack documents
14. Time at which pack documents are to be included
15. Age of pack documents when first included
16. Energy information unobtainable before or at the first point of marketing
17. Documents required within 28 days of the first point of marketing
18. Requests for documents under this Part
19. Delivery of documents under this Part
20. Required pack documents which are completely unobtainable

PART 5

ACCURACY OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS
21. Updating of required pack documents
22. Updating of predicted energy assessment
23. Updating of authorised pack documents
24. Seller's check of the home information pack

PART 6

EXCEPTIONS
25. Meaning of "non-residential premises"
26. Exclusion from meaning of "non-residential premises"
27. Exception for seasonal and holiday accommodation
28. Exception for mixed sales
29. Exception for dual use of a dwelling-house
30. Exception for portfolios of properties
31. Exception for unsafe properties
32. Exception for properties to be demolished
33. Exception – properties marketed before the commencement date
34. Exception – first day marketing during a temporary period

PART 7

ENFORCEMENT
35. Amount of penalty charge
36. Exclusion of penalty charge for content of pack documents

PART 8

APPROVED CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
37. Approval of certification schemes
38. Terms of approved certification schemes
39. Withdrawal of approval from certification schemes

PART 9

HOME CONDITION REPORT REGISTER

CHAPTER 1

Interpretation
40. Interpretation of this Part

CHAPTER 2

ARRANGEMENTS FOR KEEPING THE REGISTER
41. Registration of home condition reports
42. Retention of home condition reports
43. Restrictions on disclosure by the keeper of the register in pursuance of a seller's instructions
44. Other registers

CHAPTER 3

DISCLOSURE - GENERAL PROVISIONS
45. Section 157 conditions
46. Suspicion of unauthorised use
47. Commercial use by the keeper of the register
48. Responsibility for proving purposes of disclosure
49. Responsibility for proving agency
50. Possession of report reference number

CHAPTER 4

AUTHORISED DISCLOSURES
51. Internal processing of information
52. Sellers and their agents
53. Potential buyers and their advisers
54. Mortgage lenders or automated valuation suppliers
55. Approved certification schemes or complaints against home inspectors
56. Enforcement officers
57. Office of Fair Trading
58. Information from which no particular property is identifiable
59. Disclosures for the purposes of the 2004 Act or these Regulations
60. Prevention of crime
61. Legal proceedings and court orders

CHAPTER 5

FEES
62. Fees

  SCHEDULE 1— Home information pack index

  SCHEDULE 2— Predicted energy assessment

  SCHEDULE 3— Sale statement

  SCHEDULE 4— Commonhold information

  SCHEDULE 5— Leasehold information

  SCHEDULE 6— General provision about searches and search reports
 PART 1— All search reports (other than official search certificate of the local land charges register)
 PART 2— Specific required search reports

  SCHEDULE 7— Local enquiries
 PART 1— General
 PART 2— Enquiries

  SCHEDULE 8— Drainage and water enquiries
 PART 1— General
 PART 2— Enquiries and responses

  SCHEDULE 9— Home condition report

  SCHEDULE 10— Additional relevant information

The Secretary of State makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 161, 163, 164, 165 and 250(2) of, and paragraphs 2 and 11(b) of Schedule 8 to, the Housing Act 2004[
1].

     In accordance with section 250(3) of that Act, the Secretary of State has consulted the National Assembly for Wales in relation to residential properties in Wales.



PART 1

CITATION, COMMENCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION

Citation and commencement
     1. —(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Home Information Pack (No. 2) Regulations 2007.

    (2) These Regulations shall come into force on 2nd July 2007.

Interpretation – general provisions
    
2. —(1) In these Regulations—

    (2) In these Regulations, any expression relating to commonhold land must be construed in accordance with—

    (3) For the purposes of these Regulations—

    (4) In these Regulations, references to the amendment or revision of a document include its modification or variation.

    (5) In these Regulations, references to a number of days, months or years are to a consecutive period of days or months.

Interpretation – first point of marketing
     3. —(1) Subject to the provisions specified in paragraph (2), a reference in these Regulations to the "first point of marketing" is to the first time a duty arises under section 155(1) or 159(2) of the 2004 Act in relation to the sale of the property interest.

    (2) The provisions referred to in paragraph (1) are—

    (3) No further first point of marketing shall arise where the property is taken off the market and then put back on the market before the end of the period of one year starting with the day on which the first point of marketing falls.

    (4) Except in the circumstances described in paragraph (5), where the property is taken off the market and then put back on the market after the end of the period of one year starting with the day on which the first point of marketing falls—

    (5) No further first point of marketing shall arise where the property—



PART 2

HOME INFORMATION PACK - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Required, authorised and excluded documents
    
4. —(1) A home information pack—

    (2) A home information pack must not include any other documents or information contained in a document.

    (3) A copy of a home information pack, or of a pack document provided to a potential buyer pursuant to section 156(1) of the 2004 Act must be separated and clearly distinguished by the responsible person from documents or information which are—

The home information pack
    
5. —(1) Except where an official copy of a document is required or authorised by these Regulations to be included in the home information pack, the pack must be composed of original documents or true copies of them[18].

    (2) For the purposes of these Regulations, a copy of a document containing a map, plan or drawing—

is a true copy if those colours are reproduced with sufficient accuracy to enable them to be identified.

Copies of a home information pack
     6. The copies of a home information pack or pack document provided or produced under section 156(1) or 167(1) of the 2004 Act must be—

Comprehension of documents
    
7. —(1) Subject to paragraph (2), pack documents and true copies of documents made in accordance with regulation 6—

    (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply where, despite all reasonable efforts and enquiries by the responsible person—

    (3) Pack documents must be in—



PART 3

CONTENTS OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS

Required pack documents
    
8. Subject to regulations 10, 11, 12 and Parts 4 and 5, the home information pack must include the following—

Authorised pack documents
     9. Subject to regulations 10, 11, 12 and Parts 4 and 5, the home information pack may include documents consisting of or containing any of the following—

Creation of interests
     10. —(1) Subject to regulation 12 and Parts 4 and 5, where the sale involves[24]—

regulations 8 and 9 apply as respects that freehold estate or leasehold interest, as modified by this regulation.

    (2) Where paragraph (1)(a) applies—

    (3) Where paragraph (1)(b) applies—

Prohibitions relating to home condition reports
     11. —(1) A home condition report must not be included in the home information pack if it was not completed for the purposes of the sale by the seller of the property interest.

    (2) No pack document may be described as a "home condition report" unless it complies with Schedule 9.

Exclusion of advertising information
    
12. —(1) Information advertising or marketing goods or services must not be included in the home information pack or a pack document—

    (2) In paragraph (1), "information advertising or marketing goods or services" does not include information in a document required to be included under regulation 8 (including that regulation as modified by regulation 10).



PART 4

ASSEMBLY OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS

Order of pack documents
    
13. Subject to the provisions of this Part, a copy of a home information pack provided or produced under section 156(1) or 167(1) of the 2004 Act must be composed of pack documents in the following order—

Time at which pack documents are to be included
    
14. —(1) Subject to regulations 16, 20 and 34, the documents required to be included in the home information pack under the following provisions of regulation 8 (including that regulation as modified by regulation 10) must be included before or at the first point of marketing—

    (2) Subject to regulations 17, 20 and 34, the remaining documents required by regulation 8 to be included in the home information pack must be included before the end of the period of 28 days starting with the first point of marketing.

    (3) The pack documents authorised by these Regulations to be included in the home information pack under regulation 9 (including that regulation as modified by regulation 10) may be included at any time.

Age of pack documents when first included
    
15. —(1) The documents included under the following provisions of regulation 8 (including that regulation as modified by regulation 10) must be dated no earlier than the date that falls three months before the first point of marketing—

    (2) The documents included under the following provisions of regulation 8 must be dated no earlier than the date that falls twelve months before the first point of marketing—

    (3) All other pack documents must be such versions of the documents as can reasonably be assumed to be the most recent to the first point of marketing.

    (4) Where—

that amendment must be included in the pack.

Energy information unobtainable before or at the first point of marketing
    
16. —(1) This regulation applies—

    (2) If, despite all reasonable efforts and enquiries by the responsible person, a pack document to which this regulation applies cannot be obtained by him before or at the first point of marketing, the home information pack complies with the requirements of these Regulations where—

    (3) The time at which the document is included in the home information pack becomes the first point of marketing for that document—

Documents required within 28 days of the first point of marketing
     17. —(1) This regulation applies—

    (2) The home information pack complies with the requirements of these Regulations where, in respect of a pack document to which this regulation applies—

    (3) The time at which the document is included in the home information pack becomes the first point of marketing for that document—

Requests for documents under this Part
     18. —(1) In this Part, references to a request for a document are to a request—

    (2) In this Part, proof of a request for a document means a written statement of the following matters—

Delivery of documents under this Part
    
19. —(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the day a request for the document is delivered shall, for the purposes of this Part, be taken to be, depending on the method of delivery—

    (2) Subject to paragraph (3), where a request for a document is delivered to the Chief Land Registrar, the day the request is delivered shall, for the purposes of this Part, be taken to be the day it is delivered in accordance with, or under, the Land Registration Act 2002[27]—

    (3) For the purposes of this Part, where a request for a document—

    (4) In paragraph (1)(a), "served personally"—

    (5) References to a recipient's address—

Required pack documents which are completely unobtainable
     20. —(1) The provisions of regulation 8 specified in paragraph (2) do not apply where, after making all reasonable efforts and enquiries, the responsible person believes on reasonable grounds that the document in question—

    (2) The provisions are—



PART 5

ACCURACY OF HOME INFORMATION PACKS

Updating of required pack documents
    
21. —(1) This regulation applies to any document included in a home information pack under regulation 8 (including that regulation as modified by regulation 10).

    (2) Where the responsible person amends such a document or obtains or creates a further version of it, he must—

    (3) The time at which the responsible person amends a document or obtains or creates a further version of it under paragraph (2) becomes the first point of marketing for that document—

Updating of predicted energy assessment
    
22. —(1) If the property is not physically complete before or at the first point of marketing, and becomes complete after that time, the responsible person must include in the home information pack the documents which would be required by regulation 8(b) (energy performance certificate and recommendation report).

    (2) The documents required to be included in the pack under paragraph (1) must—

    (3) The time at which the responsible person includes a document under paragraph (2) becomes the first point of marketing for that document—

Updating of authorised pack documents
    
23. —(1) This regulation applies to any document included in a home information pack under regulation 9 (including that regulation as modified by regulation 10).

    (2) A responsible person—

    (3) The time at which the responsible person includes the amended document or further version under paragraph (2)(a) becomes the first point of marketing for that document—

Seller's check of the home information pack
    
24. If he is not the seller, the responsible person must provide the seller with a copy of any of the pack documents which the seller has requested him to provide for the purposes of ensuring the accuracy of the home information pack.



PART 6

EXCEPTIONS

Meaning of "non-residential premises"
    
25. —(1) In this Part, "non-residential premises" includes—

    (2) For the purposes of this Part, where a question arises as to whether premises are—

the premises may be treated as non-residential premises if the conditions in paragraph (3) are met.

    (3) The conditions referred to in paragraph (2) are that—

Exclusion from meaning of "non-residential premises"
     26. In this Part, "non-residential premises" do not include—

Exception for seasonal and holiday accommodation
     27. The duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property where—

Exception for mixed sales
    
28. The duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property where—

Exception for dual use of a dwelling-house
    
29. The duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property where—

Exception for portfolios of properties
    
30. —(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property where—

    (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply where the other dwelling-houses mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) are ancillary to the dwelling-house.

Exception for unsafe properties
    
31. The duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property—

Exception for properties to be demolished
    
32. —(1) The duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property where—

    (2) In paragraph (1)(c)(i), "outline planning permission" has the same meaning as in article 1(2) of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995[30].

Exception – properties marketed before the commencement date
     33. —(1) In this regulation, "commencement date" means the date appointed by the Secretary of State for the coming into force of sections 155(1), 156(1) and 159(2) of the 2004 Act in relation to the property[31].

    (2) This regulation applies in relation to a property where—

    (3) A person is not a responsible person in relation to a property to which this regulation applies, by virtue of action taken on or after the commencement date, by or on behalf of the seller, which makes public the fact that the property is on the market[32].

    (4) The duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property to which this regulation applies, which is put back on the market on or after the commencement date—

Exception – first day marketing during a temporary period
     34. —(1) In the circumstances set out in paragraph (2) and subject to paragraph (3), the duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act do not apply in relation to a property until the responsible person has in his possession or under his control (where they would otherwise be required by regulation 8)—

    (2) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that—

    (3) The exception described in paragraph (1) does not apply unless the responsible person also satisfies the following conditions—

    (4) In this regulation—

    (5) Once the duties under sections 155 to 159 of the 2004 Act apply, the point at which the property is put on the market is the first point of marketing for that document—



PART 7

ENFORCEMENT

Amount of penalty charge
    
35. The amount of a penalty charge specified in a notice given to a person under section 168 of the 2004 Act (penalty charge notices) shall be £200.

Exclusion of penalty charge for content of pack documents
    
36. Section 168(1)(a) of the 2004 Act does not apply to a breach of a duty under section 155(1) or 159(2) of that Act to the extent that—



PART 8

APPROVED CERTIFICATION SCHEMES

Approval of certification schemes
    
37. The Secretary of State shall approve one or more certification schemes, but before doing so must be satisfied that the scheme contains appropriate provision—

Terms of approved certification schemes
    
38. An approved certification scheme must contain provision—

Withdrawal of approval from certification schemes
    
39. The Secretary of State may withdraw approval from one or more certification schemes—



PART 9

HOME CONDITION REPORT REGISTER



CHAPTER 1

Interpretation

Interpretation of this Part
    
40. —(1) In this Part—

    (2) In this Part, references to a home condition report include—

    (3) In this Part, references to the obtaining, keeping or storing of a document or information include the obtaining, keeping or storing of such a document or information in any form.

    (4) In this Part, a disclosure includes—



CHAPTER 2

ARRANGEMENTS FOR KEEPING THE REGISTER

Registration of home condition reports
     41. Each home condition report entered onto the register—

Retention of home condition reports
    
42. —(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a home condition report entered onto the register must be cancelled from the register in the event that a person operating an approved certification scheme informs the keeper of the register that there is an inaccuracy in the report.

    (2) Except in the circumstances described in paragraph (1), a home condition report entered onto the register must be kept on the register for no less than 15 years from the date on which it is entered onto the register.

Restrictions on disclosure by the keeper of the register in pursuance of a seller's instructions
    
43. —(1) This regulation applies to home condition reports prepared for the purposes of the sale of the property interest by the seller.

    (2) A home inspector may inform the keeper of the register in writing, pursuant to the seller's instruction, that the seller does not wish the keeper to make a primary disclosure of a home condition report to which this regulation applies, to—

    (3) Nothing in this Part authorises the primary disclosure of a home condition report in contravention of such an instruction.

Other registers
    
44. For the purposes of these Regulations and section 165 of the 2004 Act—



CHAPTER 3

DISCLOSURE - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 157 conditions
    
45. Nothing in this Part authorises a disclosure where the person who proposes to make the disclosure is aware that a condition exists under section 157(3) of the 2004 Act which prohibits the proposed disclosure.

Suspicion of unauthorised use
    
46. Nothing in this Part authorises a disclosure where the person who proposes to make a disclosure or requested to make a disclosure, believes that it is likely to result in a disclosure not authorised by this Part.

Commercial use by the keeper of the register
    
47. Nothing in this Part authorises the commercial use of the register by the keeper of the register, otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Part.

Responsibility for proving purposes of disclosure
    
48. Where this Part refers to the purposes of a disclosure, it shall be the responsibility of the person seeking the disclosure to prove those purposes to the satisfaction of the person from whom disclosure is sought.

Responsibility for proving agency
    
49. Where this Part authorises the disclosure to the agent of a person, it shall be the responsibility of the purported agent to prove the existence of an agency arrangement to the satisfaction of the person from whom the disclosure is sought.

Possession of report reference number
    
50. —(1) Before a primary disclosure authorised by this Part is made, the keeper of the register may require the person seeking the disclosure to provide the relevant report reference number.

    (2) The keeper of the register may presume that any person who is in possession of a report reference number is lawfully in possession of such a number, unless the contrary is proved.



CHAPTER 4

AUTHORISED DISCLOSURES

Internal processing of information
    
51. Any person may make a primary or secondary disclosure, where necessary for the purposes of processing information—

Sellers and their agents
    
52. —(1) The keeper of the register may make a primary disclosure to a seller or his agent.

    (2) Before making a disclosure in accordance with paragraph (1), the keeper of the register may require the person seeking that disclosure to prove that he is the seller or his agent.

    (3) Where the home condition report to be disclosed was entered onto the register for the purposes of the sale of the property interest by that seller—

Potential buyers and their advisers
    
53. —(1) The keeper of the register may make a primary disclosure to an actual or potential buyer or his agent.

    (2) Before making a disclosure in accordance with paragraph (1), the keeper of the register may require the person seeking that disclosure to prove one or more of the following matters—

Mortgage lenders or automated valuation suppliers
    
54. —(1) The keeper of the register may make a primary disclosure to a mortgage lender, an automated valuation supplier or their agents.

    (2) Before making a disclosure in accordance with paragraph (1), the keeper of the register may require the person seeking that disclosure to prove one or more of the following matters—

Approved certification schemes or complaints against home inspectors
    
55. —(1) The keeper of the register may make a primary disclosure to a person operating an approved certification scheme or a person dealing with complaints against home inspectors.

    (2) Before making a disclosure in accordance with paragraph (1), the keeper of the register may require the person seeking that disclosure to prove one or more of the following matters—

Enforcement officers
    
56. —(1) The keeper of the register may make a primary disclosure to an authorised officer of an enforcement authority.

    (2) Before making a disclosure in accordance with paragraph (1), the keeper of the register may require the person seeking that disclosure to prove one or more of the following matters—

Office of Fair Trading
    
57. —(1) The keeper of the register may make a primary disclosure to the Office of Fair Trading.

    (2) Before making a disclosure in accordance with paragraph (1) in response to a request, the keeper of the register may require the Office of Fair Trading to prove that the request is made for the purposes of the enforcement by the Office of Fair Trading of its functions under the Estate Agents Act 1979[
34] or the 2004 Act.

Information from which no particular property is identifiable
     58. Any person may make a primary or secondary disclosure where no particular property would be identifiable in doing so.

Disclosures for the purposes of the 2004 Act or these Regulations
    
59. Any person may make a primary or secondary disclosure for the purposes of—

Prevention of crime
    
60. Any person may make a primary or secondary disclosure for the purposes of or to facilitate—

Legal proceedings and court orders
    
61. Any person may make a primary or secondary disclosure for the purposes of—



CHAPTER 5

FEES

Fees
    
62. —(1) The fee prescribed under section 165(3) of the 2004 Act is £1.15 (one pound and fifteen pence).

    (2) No fee may be charged for a primary disclosure.



Signed by authority of the Secretary of State



for Communities and Local Government


Kay Andrews
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department for Communities and Local Government

8th June 2007



SCHEDULE 1
regulation 8(a)


Home information pack index


Required matters
     1. A home information pack index must—

Authorised matters
     2. A home information pack index may indicate where a particular pack document can be found in the home information pack.



SCHEDULE 2
regulation 8(c)


Predicted energy assessment


A predicted energy assessment must—



SCHEDULE 3
regulation 8(d)


Sale statement


A sale statement must—



SCHEDULE 4
regulation 8(g), 9(k) and 10(2)


Commonhold information


Required commonhold documents
     1. —(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the documents referred to in regulation 8(g)(i) are—

    (2) Except for the documents specified in sub-paragraph (1)(a), the documents required by that sub-paragraph are only those which are in the seller's possession, under his control or to which he can reasonably be expected to have access, taking into account the enquiries that it would be reasonable to make of—

Required commonhold information
     2. —(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the matters referred to in regulation 8(g)(ii) are—

    (2) The information required by sub-paragraph (1) is only that which the seller can reasonably be expected to be aware of, taking into account the enquiries that it would be reasonable to make of—

Authorised commonhold information
     3. The matters referred to in regulation 9(k) are—

Creation of commonhold interests
     4. The matters referred to in regulation 10(2)(e) are—



SCHEDULE 5
regulations 8(h), 9(l) and 10(3)


Leasehold information


Required leasehold documents
     1. —(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the documents referred to in regulation 8(h)(i) are—

    (2) Except for the documents specified in sub-paragraph (1)(a), the documents required by that sub-paragraph are only those which are in the seller's possession, under his control or to which he can reasonably be expected to have access, taking into account the enquiries that it would be reasonable to make of—

Required leasehold information
     2. —(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the matters referred to in regulation 8(h)(ii) are—

    (2) The information required by sub-paragraph (1) is only that which the seller can reasonably be expected to be aware of, taking into account the enquiries that it would be reasonable to make of—

Authorised leasehold information
     3. The matters referred to in regulation 9(l) are—

Creation of leasehold interests
     4. The matters referred to in regulation 10(3)(e) are—



SCHEDULE 6
regulations 8(j)(ii), 8(k) 8(l), 9(m) and 9(n)


General provision about searches and search reports




PART 1

All search reports (other than official search certificate of the local land charges register)

General requirements
     1. A search report must contain the following information—

Additional search information
     2. A search report complying with this Part may contain or be accompanied by documents containing all or any of the following information—

Unavailable search results
     3. Subject to paragraph 4, the results of the search included in a search report under paragraph 1(d) must not fail to answer such enquiries as formed the basis of the search, nor fail to give the information originally sought, unless—



PART 2

Specific required search reports

Access to local authority records
     4. The results of the search included in the search report required by regulation 8(k) (local enquiries) may fail to answer the enquiries set out in Part 2 of Schedule 7, in the following circumstances—

Terms for the preparation of required searches
     5. Any person may prepare a report required by regulation 8(j)(ii) (personal search of the local land charges register), 8(k) (local enquiries) or 8(l) (drainage and water enquiries), but must do so on the following terms without exclusion or limitation—

Third party contractual rights in relation to search reports
     6. The person preparing a search report required by regulation 8(j)(ii) (personal search of the local land charges register), 8(k) (local enquiries) or 8(l) (drainage and water enquiries) must do so on terms enabling the provisions of the contract under which the report is prepared—

Insurance cover for third party contractual rights
     7. The person preparing the search reports required by regulation 8(k) (local enquiries) or 8(l) (drainage and water enquiries) must do so on terms ensuring that—

Permitted limit on liability for financial loss
     8. The amount of the financial compensation referred to in paragraphs 4(g) and 7(b) may be limited to the amount the potential or actual buyer reasonably believed to be the value of the property interest—

Inclusion of additional or more favourable terms for required search reports
     9. A person may prepare the search reports required by regulation 8(j)(ii) (personal search of the local land charges register), 8(k) (local enquiries) or 8(l) (drainage and water enquiries) on any of the following terms—

Less favourable terms
     10. Any search report which contains terms less favourable to—

than those required by this Part of this Schedule is not made in accordance with this Schedule.

Required searches by another name
     11. This Schedule applies in relation to pack documents which contain the enquiries required (or enquiries to like effect) to be contained in a search report which would be included under regulation 8(j)(ii), 8(k) or 8(l), regardless of whether one or more of the following has occurred—



SCHEDULE 7
regulation 8(k)


Local enquiries




PART 1

General

Interpretation
     1. —(1) In this Schedule—

but does not include a tramway;

    (2) In paragraph 8 "private sewer", "drain" and "disposal main" have the same meaning as in Schedule 9[68].

Enquiries
     2. —(1) The search report required by regulation 8(k) must contain the enquiries set out in Part 2.

    (2) Those enquiries must relate to the property.

    (3) The enquiries in paragraphs 6 to 18 relate only to matters which are not entered on the appropriate local land charges register.



PART 2

Enquiries

Planning and building decisions and pending applications
     3. Which of the following relating to the property have been granted, issued or refused or (where applicable) are the subject of pending applications—

Planning designations and proposals
     4. What designations of land use for the property or the area, and what specific proposals for the property, are contained in any existing or proposed development plan?

Roads
     5. Which of the roads, footways and footpaths named in the application for this search are—

Land required for public purposes
     6. Is the property included in land required for public purposes?

Land to be acquired for road works
     7. Is the property included in land to be acquired for road works?

Drainage agreements and consents
     8. Do either of the following exist in relation to the property—

Nearby road schemes
     9. Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of any of the following—

Nearby railway schemes
     10. Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of the centre line of a proposed railway, tramway, light railway or monorail?

Traffic schemes
     11. Has a local authority approved but not yet implemented any of the following for roads, footways and footpaths which abut the boundaries of the property—

Outstanding notices
     12. Do any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this Schedule—

Contravention of building regulations
     13. Has a local authority authorised in relation to the property any proceedings for the contravention of any provision contained in building regulations?

Notices, orders, directions and proceedings under Planning Acts
     14. Do any of the following subsist in relation to the property, or has a local authority decided to issue, serve, make or commence any of the following—

Conservation areas
     15. Do the following apply in relation to the property—

Compulsory purchase
     16. Has any enforceable order or decision been made to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?

Contaminated land
     17. Do any of the following apply (including any relating to land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has been identified as contaminated land because it is in such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled waters might be caused on the property)—

Radon gas
     18. Do records indicate that the property is in a "Radon Affected Area" as identified by the Health Protection Agency[72]?



SCHEDULE 8
regulation 8(l)


Drainage and water enquiries




PART 1

General

Interpretation
     1. —(1) In this Schedule—

    (2) In this Schedule, references to a pipe, including references to a main, a drain or a sewer, shall include references to a tunnel or conduit which serves or is to serve as the pipe in question and to any accessories for the pipe.

Enquiries and responses
     2. —(1) The search report required by regulation 8(l) must contain—

    (2) Only one of the alternative responses in sub-paragraph (2) of each paragraphs 3 to 11 and 13 to 24 may be the appropriate response.

    (3) Where the search report is made using a document which reproduces all of the enquiries (or requests) and responses set out in Part 2, such of those responses as are not appropriate must be deleted or struck out.

    (4) Where a response set out in sub-paragraph (2) of a paragraph of Part 2—



PART 2

Enquiries and responses

Public sewer map
     3. —(1) Where relevant, please include a copy of an extract from the public sewer map.

    (2) A copy of an extract from the public sewer map is included in which the location of the property is identified;

Foul water
     4. —(1) Does foul water from the property drain to a public sewer?

    (2)

Surface water
     5. —(1) Does surface water from the property drain to a public sewer?

    (2)

Public adoption of sewers and lateral drains
     6. —(1) Are any sewers or lateral drains serving or which are proposed to serve the property the subject of an existing adoption agreement or an application for such an agreement?

    (2)

Public sewers within the boundaries of the property
     7. —(1) Does the public sewer map indicate any public sewer, disposal main or lateral drain within the boundaries of the property?

    (2)

Public sewers near to the property
     8. —(1) Does the public sewer map indicate any public sewer within 30.48 metres (100 feet) of any buildings within the property?

    (2)

Building over a public sewer, disposal main or drain
     9. —(1) Has a sewerage undertaker approved or been consulted about any plans to erect a building or extension on the property over or in the vicinity of a public sewer, disposal main or drain?

    (2)

Map of waterworks
     10. —(1) Where relevant, please include a copy of an extract from the map of waterworks.

    (2)

Adoption of water mains and service pipes
     11. —(1) Is any water main or service pipe serving or which is proposed to serve the property the subject of an existing adoption agreement or an application for such an agreement?

    (2)

Sewerage and water undertakers
     12. —(1) Who are the sewerage and water undertakers for the area?

    (2) Give company name and address is the sewerage undertaker for the area, and give company name and address is the water undertaker for the area.

Connection to mains water supply
     13. —(1) Is the property connected to mains water supply?

    (2)

Water mains, resource mains or discharge pipes
     14. —(1) Are there any water mains, resource mains or discharge pipes within the boundaries of the property?

    (2)

Current basis for sewerage and water charges
     15. —(1) What is the current basis for charging for sewerage and water services at the property?

    (2)

Charges following change of occupation
     16. —(1) Will the basis for charging for sewerage and water services at the property change as a consequence of a change of occupation?

    (2)

Surface water drainage charges
     17. —(1) Is a surface water drainage charge payable?

    (2)

Water meters
     18. —(1) Please include details of the location of any water meter serving the property.

    (2)

Sewerage bills
     19. —(1) Who bills the property for sewerage services?

    (2)

Water bills
     20. —(1) Who bills the property for water services?

    (2)

Risk of flooding due to overloaded public sewers
     21. —(1) Is the dwelling-house which is or forms part of the property at risk of internal flooding due to overloaded public sewers?

    (2)

Risk of low water pressure or flow
     22. —(1) Is the property at risk of receiving low water pressure or flow?

    (2)

Water quality analysis
     23. —(1) Please include details of a water quality analysis made by the water undertaker for the water supply zone in respect of the most recent calendar year.

    (2)

Authorised departures from water quality standards
     24. —(1) Please include details of any departures—

    (2)

Sewage treatment works
     25. —(1) Please state the distance from the property to the nearest boundary of the nearest sewage treatment works.

    (2) The nearest sewage treatment works is give distance in kilometres or miles to the give direction of the property. The name of the nearest sewage treatment works is give name.



SCHEDULE 9
regulation 9(a)


Home condition report


Home condition reports
     1. A home condition report—

Terms for the preparation of a home condition report
     2. A home inspector must prepare a home condition report on the following terms without exclusion or limitation—

Third party contractual rights in relation to home condition reports
     3. A home inspector must prepare a home condition report on terms enabling the provisions of the contract under which the report is prepared to be enforced in relation to the terms mentioned in paragraph 2, by the following persons in their own right (whether or not they are a party to such a contract)—

Inclusion of additional or more favourable terms for home condition reports
     4. A home inspector may prepare a home condition report on any of the following—

Less favourable terms
     5. Any home condition report which contains terms less favourable to—

than those required by this Schedule is not made in accordance with this Schedule.

Completion of home condition reports by home inspectors
     6. A home condition report must be completed by a home inspector so as to contain his record of the following information—

Conduct of inspections
     7. Nothing in this Schedule shall be construed as requiring a home inspector to—

Prohibition on personal and security information
     8. A home condition report must not contain any of the following—



SCHEDULE 10
regulation 9(p)


Additional relevant information


The matters referred to in regulation 9(p)(ii) are—



EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)


These Regulations prescribe the documents to be included in home information packs and the circumstances in which they are included (Parts 1 to 5 of the Regulations). They provide for exceptions and enforcement (Parts 6 and 7) and make further provision in relation to home condition reports (Parts 8 and 9). The duties to have a home information pack which complies with these Regulations are found in sections 155 to 159 of the Housing Act 2004 ("the home information pack duties"). The Regulations apply in England and Wales.

The Regulations make a distinction between "required" documents which must be included in home information packs and "authorised" documents which may be included. A pack must not include any documents not required or authorised (regulation 4) and advertising information must not be included (regulation 12). Part 2 of the Regulations makes provision about the source and clarity of documents included in the original home information pack, and in copies of a pack.

Regulations 8, 9 and 10 are the regulations that set out which documents are required and authorised to be included in packs. The required documents specified in regulation 8 include an index, information about the energy efficiency of the property, a sale statement, title information, additional information for commonhold and leasehold properties and property searches. Schedules 1 to 10 to the Regulations make further provision about these documents, and in some cases prescribe minimum terms necessary for documents to comply with the Regulations. Not all documents are required in every case, and regulation 8 describes this further.

Regulation 9 describes the information authorised to be included in a home information pack. This information may be included in a separate document or within a required document. Authorised information includes a home condition report, translations, Braille versions, summaries or explanations of pack documents, additional title information, additional information relating to commonhold and leasehold properties and additional information about physical condition. It includes further property searches. Searches relating to other premises may be included. Schedule 10 to the Regulations specifies a number of other types of relevant information which may be included. Regulation 10 deals with the required information for new properties where the legal commonhold or leasehold interest being sold has not yet been registered or created.

Part 4 of the Regulations deals with the assembly of home information packs. Regulation 13 prescribes the required order of documents included in a pack and regulation 15 prescribes the age of certain documents at the "first point of marketing" (defined in regulation 3). Under regulations 14, 16 and 17, some required documents must be included before the "first point of marketing" and others should be included within 28 days of that point. In the circumstances specified in regulations 16 and 17 a home information pack temporarily need not include a particular document, so long as reasonable efforts are being made to obtain it. Regulations 18 and 19 make provision for requests for and delivery of documents in relation to the obtaining of documents under Part 4. Regulation 20 makes provision for the event that a document is completely unobtainable.

Part 5 of the Regulations deals with the accuracy of home information packs. Regulations 21 to 23 deal with the circumstances in which the pack or pack documents must or may be updated. The effect of regulation 24 is that a responsible person must provide a seller with a copy of any pack documents requested by him for the purposes of checking their accuracy.

Part 6 of the Regulations makes exceptions from the home information pack duties. These exceptions relate to seasonal accommodation, sales mixed with sales of non-residential premises, dwelling houses used for both residential and non-residential purposes, portfolios of residential properties, unsafe properties and properties to be demolished. The exception under regulation 33 ensures that where a person makes public that a property is on the market before the date the home information pack duties are brought into force, a person does not become a responsible person for the purposes of the home information pack duties if it was put on the market before then, so long as marketing was sustained to a reasonable extent before the date. The exception under regulation 34 applies temporarily and its effect is that home information pack duties do not apply until all the required documents have been commissioned before the property is put on the market, and the responsible person has at least obtained energy information about the property.

Part 7 of the Regulations specifies that the level of penalty charge for penalty charge notices which may be given by enforcement authorities is £200 (for a breach of a home information pack duty). Regulation 36 specifies that penalty charge notices do not apply where the content of a pack document fails to comply with these Regulations, but a responsible person believes on reasonable grounds that it does.

The Regulations require that home condition reports (which may be included in home information packs under regulation 9(a)) must be made by members of certification schemes (home inspectors) approved by the Secretary of State under Part 8. Before approving a scheme, the Secretary of State must be satisfied that it contains appropriate provision for the matters described in regulation 37.

Part 9 of the Regulations makes provision for the keeping of a register of home condition reports and the circumstances in which information may be disclosed from that register. Under section 165(7) of the Housing Act 2004, a disclosure from a register which is not in accordance with regulations is a criminal offence.

A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on businesses has been prepared and placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies of the regulatory impact assessment and guidance related to these Regulations will be available at the Department for Communities and Local Government's website and from its Home Information Pack Implementation Division (telephone: 020 7944 6211, fax: 020 7944 3408 and
e-mail: [email protected]).


Notes:

[1] 2004 c. 34.back

[2] 1975 c. 76. Section 4 is amended by section 25(1) of and Schedule 3 to the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30).back

[3] 2002 c. 9.back

[4] 1990 c. 9.back

[5] S.I. 2003/1417.back

[6] S.I. 2007/991, amended by S.I. 2007/1669.back

[7] S.I. 2000/2531. Regulation 17E was inserted by S.I. 2006/652 and substituted by S.I. 2007/991.back

[8] The circumstances in which a person becomes and ceases to be a "responsible person" are described in sections 151, 152 and 153 of the 2004 Act.back

[9] "Long lease" is defined in section 177(1) of the 2004 Act.back

[10] Subsection (2) is amended by S.I. 2001/24.back

[11] 1990 c. 8.back

[12] "Residential property" is defined in section 148(1) of the 2004 Act.back

[13] "Seller" is defined in section 177(1) of the 2004 Act.back

[14] "Sale" is defined in section 177(1) of the 2004 Act.back

[15] 1985 c. 70. Section 18 is amended by paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (c. 31) and paragraph 7 of Schedule 9 to the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (c. 15).back

[16] 2002 c. 15.back

[17] S.I. 2004/1829.back

[18] Under section 155(1) of the 2004 Act a responsible person must have in his possession, or under his control, a home information pack which complies with the requirements of these Regulations. Under section 156, a responsible person must provide a potential buyer with a copy of the pack (rather than the original version). Under subsection (8) of section 156, a reasonable sum may be charged for the cost of making and sending a paper copy of the home information pack.back

[19] In this case, "lease" does not only mean a long lease - see regulation 3(1).back

[20] Under section 160 of the Housing Act 2004, the duties under sections 155 to 159 do not apply to a residential property at any time when it is not available for sale with vacant possession. However, under section 171(2) of the Housing Act 2004, Part 5 applies where two or more dwellings in sub-divided building are marketed for sale (with any ancillary land) as a single property and one or more is not available for sale as a separate property, but is available with vacant possession.back

[21] 1975 c. 76. Section 9 is amended by section 15 of and Schedule 4 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4) in relation to fees in England and Wales. Sub-section (2) is repealed by sections 158 and 194 of and Schedule 12 to the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42).back

[22] Section 8 is amended by section 34 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (c. 30).back

[23] Part 13 of the Land Registration Rules 2003 describes the nature and effect of exempt information and edited information documents. Under rule 136(1), a person may apply to the Chief Land Registrar for a document to be designated an exempt information document on the basis that it contains "prejudicial information". This is defined in rule 131 as information that if disclosed would cause substantial unwarranted damage or distress to someone, or would prejudice the commercial interests of the applicant. Under rule 136(2)(b), an application for designation must be accompanied by a version of the document that excludes the prejudicial information (an edited information document).back

[24] Under section 177(2) of the 2004 Act, any reference in the definition of "sale" to the disposal of an interest includes a reference to the creation of such an interest.back

[25] As to proof of the request, see regulation 18(2).back

[26] As to proof of the request, see regulation 18(2).back

[27] An application for an official copy of an individual register, for an official copy of any title plan referred to in an individual register, for an official copy of a document referred to in the register and kept by the Chief Land Registrar or for an official copy of an exempt information document made under Part 13 of the Land Registration Rules 2003 may be delivered by post, document exchange or personal delivery to the proper office of the Land Registry as designated by the Land Registration (Proper Office) Order 2003 (S.I.2003/2040) (as amended by S.I.2005/1765). Under rule 132 of the Land Registration Rules 2003, an application for an official copy under Part 13 of those Rules may also be delivered by any other means of communication during the currency of a relevant notice given under Schedule 2 to the Land Registration Rules 2003, and subject to and in accordance with the limitations contained in that notice. Current notices provide for oral delivery and delivery by telephone, fax and on-line.back

[28] Under section 148(1) of the 2004 Act, "residential property" consists of a single dwelling-house, including any ancillary land. "Ancillary land" is defined in section 177(1) in relation to a dwelling-house or a sub-divided building as "any land intended to be occupied and enjoyed together with that dwelling-house or building".back

[29] In this case, "lease" does not only mean a long lease - see regulation 3(1).back

[30] S. I. 1995/419. The definition refers to "reserved matters", also defined in article 1(2). The definition of "reserved matters" is substituted by S.I. 2006/1062.back

[31] In accordance with section 270(6) or (8) of the 2004 Act.back

[32] See sections 151, 152(1)(b) and 153(1)(b) of the 2004 Act.back

[33] By virtue of section 165(7) of the Housing Act 2004, a disclosure not made in accordance with these Regulations contravenes section 165(4) and a person making such a disclosure is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.back

[34] c. 38.back

[35] S.I. 2007/991, amended by S.I. 2007/1669.back

[36] S.I. 2000/2531. Regulation 17A was inserted by S.I. 2006/652.back

[37] In this case, "lease" does not only mean a long lease - see regulation 3(1).back

[38] 1985 c. 70. At the time these Regulations are made, section 152 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (c. 15) which substitutes section 21 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, is not yet fully in force.back

[39] Section 20 is substituted by section 151 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.back

[40] In this case, "lease" does not only mean a long lease - see regulation 3(1).back

[41] Amended by section 22(1) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22).back

[42] Inserted by section 2 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34).back

[43] Amended by section 20(4) of and paragraph 25(2) of Schedule 6 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (c. 19).back

[44] There are amendments to section 16 which are not relevant to these Regulations.back

[45] S.I. 2000/2531. Under this provision, an applicant may apply to a local authority for a regularisation certificate in respect of unauthorised building work.back

[46] Regulation 17 is amended by S.I. 2005/1541.back

[47] Substituted by section 10(1) of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34).back

[48] Substituted by section 10(1) of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.back

[49] Substituted by S.I. 2006/652.back

[50] Amended by section 109(1), paragraph 345 of Schedule 8 to and Schedule 10 to the Courts Act 2003 (c. 39).back

[51] Inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995.back

[52] 1988 c. 52.back

[53] 2004 c.5.back

[54] S.I. 1995/418. Article 4 is amended by S.I. 1996/528.back

[55] Substituted by section 5 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.back

[56] 1980 c.66. Section 36 is amended by section 4(1) of and paragraph 47 of Schedule 2 to the Housing (Consequential Provisions) Act 1985 (c. 71), sections 64 and 68 of and Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Transport and Works Act 1992 (c. 42), section 4 of and paragraph 45(3) of Schedule 2 to the Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 (c.11), section 57 of, and Part 1 of Schedule 6 to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37) and by S.I. 2006/1177. There are further amendments to section 36 which are not relevant to these Regulations.back

[57] Paragraph 5 is amended by section 32 of and paragraph 56 of Schedule 7 to the Planning and Compensation Act 1991. Both paragraphs 5 and 6 were amended by section 118(1) of and paragraphs 1 and 18 of Schedule 6 to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.back

[58] Section 241 is amended by section 190 of and paragraph 62 of Schedule 25 to the Water Act 1989 (c. 15). Section 245A was inserted by section 13 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (c. 18). Section 246 is amended by sections 68(2) and 70 of, and paragraph 26 of Schedule 15 to the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 and section 34 of and paragraph 31 of Schedule 4 to the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 (c. 67).back

[59] Amended by sections 25 and 84 of and Schedule 3 to the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.back

[60] Amended by sections 21 and 32 of, paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to and paragraph 21 of Schedule 7 to the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.back

[61] Amended by sections 21 and 84 of, paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to, and Schedule 19 to the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.back

[62] Inserted by section 1 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 and amended by S.I. 2003/956 and S.I. 2004/3156.back

[63] Inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995 and amended by sections 86 and 105 of the Water Act 2003.back

[64] Substituted by section 9(1) of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.back

[65] 2000 c. 1.back

[66] Amended by sections 31, 32 and 84 of, paragraph 20 of Schedule 6 to and paragraph 34 of Schedules 7 and 19 to the Planning and Compensation Act 1991. Also amended by section 42(3) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.back

[67] Section 10 is amended by section 22(2) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22) and section 19 is amended by section 21(1) of that Act.back

[68] See paragraph 1(1) of that Schedule.back

[69] See regulation 16A of the Building Regulations 2000.back

[70] 1990 c. 43. Section 78R is inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995.back

[71] Section 78G is inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995.back

[72] A body established under section 1 of the Health Protection Agency Act 2004 (c. 17).back

[73] 1991 c. 56.back

[74] S.I. 2000/3184. These Regulations apply in relation to England.back

[75] S.I. 2001/3911. These Regulations apply in relation to Wales.back

[76] Section 51A is inserted by section 92(2) of the Water Act 2003 (c. 37). Section 104(1) is amended by section 96(4) of that Act.back

[77] To which there are various amendments made by sections 102 and 104 by section 96 of the Water Act 2003.back

[78] Inserted by section 56 of and Schedule 4 to the Water Act 2003.back

[79] Subsection (1A) is inserted by section 92(5) of the Water Act 2003.back

[80] Section 106(1A) is inserted by section 99 of the Water Act 2003.back

[81] 1989 c. 15.back

[82] To which there are various amendments made by section 101(1) of and Schedule 8 to the Water Act 2003.back

[83] To which there are various amendments made by section 101(1) of and Schedule 8 to the Water Act 2003.back

[84] Section 199 is amended by section 97(1) and (8) of the Water Act 2003.back



ISBN 978 0 11 077324 7


 © Crown copyright 2007

Prepared 18 June 2007


BAILII: Copyright Policy | Disclaimers | Privacy Policy | Feedback | Donate to BAILII
URL: http://www.bailii.org/uk/legis/num_reg/2007/20071667.html