YORVIK RENTAL HIPS.COM 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

EPC and HIP

£200 FINE !!!

• Can I be fined if I refuse to buy a HIP (Home Information Pack)?
  Yes, the OFT have the right to investigate at random and can fine you £200 and your estate agent can refuse your instruction without a HIP order in place. You will not be able to sell your property.

• My estate agent has offered to pay for my HIP - is this Good or Bad?
  It depends on the terms of their contract. We have seen many contracts whereby the estate agent has placed clauses that charge the home owner up to £699 when they withdraw from the market. So be very careful indeed - our recommendation is that you buy the HIP upfront so you are the legal owner and not another third party. Be Smart with a hip, home information pack as our hip is triple insured to ensure you never face a legal action at huge costs, due to incorrect information that defaults the sale of your home into another UK Court case that have happened with some Home Information Pack .  
•  YourDEA in York fees are low in comparison to the market - is it too good to be true? Why is it and how does it benefit me?
  No, not at all, we deal with volume using our own Energy Assessors and an experienced office team ensure we follow the HIP code and search code. 
• Vital part of any HIP is EPC - (Energy Performance Certificate).   
• It can be supplied on its own for those who want to rent a property. 
• Expert Qualified Energy Advisers Experts charge more than individuals who can make mistakes that can cost you a £Thousands to correct!! 
• We handle your assessment with a friendly, welcome and honest manner. 
•  What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
  An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an objective report on the energy efficiency of your property. 
• Does an actual survey take place at my property?
  Yes, our DEA in York will perform an internal and external inspection of the property by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor who will carry out the following:-
  1. Note the construction of your walls.
  2. Measure the roof insulation.
  3. Confirm how many windows are double glazed.
  4. Count the number of open fireplaces.
  5. Check the make and model of boiler under EU SEDBUK regulations (seasonal efficiency of domestic boilers in the UK).
  6. Look for green devices (such as solar panels).
  7. Calculate the number of low -energy light bulbs.
  8. Confirm the type of heating system used radiators, under floor heating, etc.
  9. Categorise the type of material used to insulate hot water cylinder.
  10. Measure heat loss through roof .
  11. Check for excessive window area in larger houses and take precise measurements of conservatories and extensions.
  12. Confirm how many 'habitable' rooms are heated.
  
  What will the Certificate provide me with?
  A. It will provide you with clear information on the energy performance of the property and cost effective means for improvement.
  
  Why is the Government insisting on the use Home Information Packs?
  A. To make the home buying process:-
  1. More transparent.
  2. More certain.
  3. Faster.
  4. More consumer friendly.
  5. To ensure public awareness of the energy efficiency of the home.
  
  What legislation is there to ensure compliance?
  A. Housing Act 2004 Part 5 HIPS:-
  1. When marketing residential property with vacant possession sellers or agents must have a HIP and provide a copy upon request.
  2. HIPS must contain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
  3. Only Home Inspectors/Domestic Energy Assessors can carry out an EPC.
  
  What will the Energy Performance Certificate not tell me?
  1. The EPC is not a valuation on the property.
  2. The EPC is not a Home Condition Report.
  3. The EPC will not tell you what the fuel bills will be.
  4. The EPC will not give advice on suppliers/installers who may undertake work to improve the energy efficiency after the assessment.
  
  Who will be able to issue an Energy Performance Certificate?
  A. EPCs can only be produced by accredited individuals. These individuals can be Licensed Home Inspectors or Domestic Energy Assessors that has the nationally recognised qualification and members of an accreditation scheme.
  
  What is the cost of an Energy Performance Certificate?
  A. The charges will vary depending on the size of your property.
  
  Q. Do I have to carry out the recommendations given on the certificate?
  A. No, the Recommendations are for your consideration and the future owner to consider when comparing your property to buy or rent from you. However, we have heard that these Recommendations will be enforced next year.