The Home Contents Form

Much of the home contents form has been integrated into the HIP for some years now, solicitors have issued home contents forms for house sellers to fill out, previous to a sale taking place.

It is a list of all the items in the home that will be left in the property when the present owner vacates.

We have all heard the tales of people moving out and taking all the light bulbs, sockets and curtain rails with them, and the poor, unfortunate, and bewildered, new home owners can't switch a light on or plug an appliance in.

The checklist is nothing daunting, but whatever is on the list, must remain with the property, and is classed as a part of the sale.

The home contents form will be a part of the overall home information pack, and, as always, they all add up to a watertight sales process.

Items included would be any fixtures and fittings that you may decide to sell with the property. Fittings may be carpets, curtains, items of furniture, mirrors etc.

The fixtures, like appliances, fires, satellite dishes, door furniture and coat hooks are all fixed to the property, under normal circumstances, these would be sold with the house, but history has proved that some people will resort to endless petty measures to attempt to glean a few more pennies out of a multi thousand pound deal.

Your garden, and the contents of any outbuilding must also be covered. Right down to the plants and garden fixtures, like gates and fencing, your home buyers need to know, exactly what they are buying.

Many people leave these lists fairly unambiguous, but that does not help your potential house buyer, the customer is better having as much, detailed information as possible. Don't miss anything out, and if you happen to change your mind on any items, make sure that the final home contents form is updated.

The rule here is to compile your list of all items to be left, in each room, and retain a copy, so that, when you do finally move, you can stick to the deal. If you choose to ignore the home contents form, and take some of the items from the property, then you are legally liable to replace them at your cost.