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The HIP Code and the Search Code
The HIP Code and the Search Code have been introduced to ensure quality standards in Home Information Packs (HIPs) and across the property search industry.
Search for a registered company
The independent Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) oversees and maintains a register of all companies complying with the codes. Search the PCCB register to see whether a company has signed up to either of the codes.
Problem with your HIP provider or private search company
If your HIP provider or search company is a subscriber to either code, they must have a formal complaints scheme, which you should go through first if you have a problem.
If you do not accept the decision reached, or there is no final response within eight weeks, you can take your complaint to the Independent Property Codes Adjudication Scheme.
More detailed information about this process is available on this page of the PCCB website.
The HIP Code
The HIP Code provides you with protection by setting out minimum standards that HIP providers have to meet. All HIPs that comply with this code will include the HIP Code logo.
Finding a HIP provider
If you are commissioning a HIP, you should consider a company that is a member of the HIP Code or other similar code of practice.
The Search Code
The Search Code also provides you with protection by introducing standards across the private search industry.
The Search Code was developed, and is sponsored by, the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO); however the code is open to all private search companies.
Finding a personal search company
If you are commissioning searches or are compiling the HIP yourself, and want to use a personal search company rather than going directly to the local authority, you may wish to look for companies that have signed up to the Search Code.
More about your rights
If you are not happy with the way things are going, you can make a complaint to the relevant organisations. Follow the links below to find out what your rights are and what the complaints process is.
