Research uncovers 'unsatisfactory' HIPs

Residential landlords in the UK could be among those affected by a high number of "unsatisfactory" home information packs (HIPs), it has been suggested.

A recent study by Birmingham City Council Trading Standards and the Property Codes Compliance Board revealed that 30 per cent of HIPs in the area were not up to regulation standards.

In many cases, purchasers were left with "no idea who to contact" to complain or enquire about the information in the HIP.

The Association of Home Information Pack Providers has voiced its concerns at the findings of the investigation and called on more authorities to carry out the studies.

Mike Ockenden, the organisation's director general, said: "Does it concern me that there are cowboys out there producing poor quality products? Yes it does. But I think the message that we need to get out to people is that it doesn't have to be that way."

"I think we need more people doing what [was] done in Birmingham to be honest. We need the Trading Standards to properly police [HIPs].

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