Estate agent obligations

[SpidersAreShitheads]

Hi all - I'm after a bit of advice re estate agents on behalf of my DM.

I had a thread up in AIBU the other day about her property she's trying to sell, which was really useful. We've since realised that when the estate agent came round to seal the deal, he got her to sign a contract but hasn't given her a copy of it, either in paper form or via email.

Also, they've paid for the EPC certificate but not heard a whisper about it - and that was three weeks ago.

Can I ask if anyone knows whether the estate agent is legally obligated to provide a copy of the contract (which includes the terms and conditions)? I believe there is a 7-day cooling off period and I don't see how this can legally take effect if a copy of the contract hasn't been left?

Also, how long does the EPC usually take? I thought the property wasn't supposed to be marketed unless there is one?

Hugely grateful for any advice.

I'm pretty sure they need to provide a contract, get your mum to call them and they should be able to post a copy out.

Epics can take a few weeks,it depends how busy the surveyors are, but they all seem to be very busy atm.

Epc's not epics

Have you searched the EPC register to see if it's up there yet?

I only know Scottish law on this really, but in Scotland we can't advertise a property for rent or sale without displaying the EPC along with it (home report which includes EPC if it's for sale)

You are entitled to ask the estate agent for a copy of the contract and they should supply it to you once signed their end. Again in Scotland we have a limited time period to provide these documents once someone specifically requests (although always make an effort to actually send these out prior)

She should definitely be given a copy if she has signed.

Cooling off period is 14 days.

EPC should take about a week.

Thank you all! I didn't actually know about the EPC register - this is all very new to me as I am a home owner but haven't ever sold.

She's not on the EPC register yet. But I don't think she's had a surveyor visit - so that will need to happen first? The estate agent has been round a couple of times but I don't think he brought anyone with him. The house went on the market three weeks ago, so from what you're saying it is taking a bit of a long time for the EPC?

The estate agent told DM she had 7 days cooling down (I wasn't present), not 14 days. However, he hasn't given her a copy of what she signed, or the contract terms. I don't think the 7/14 days cooling off period counts if she wasn't supplied with a copy of the contract to review?

Long story short, my DM is in her 70s and hasn't a clue what she signed. My stepdad - also late 70s was there too - and has confirmed that the estate agent didn't tell them about tie-in periods or commission rates etc. DM said she'd like to proceed so he literally just whacked a form in front of her, said "sign here" and then whisked it away. The estate agent has been spectacularly shit in lots of other ways so far and quite honestly, I'd like to get her out of this contract and signed with someone else. It feels as if he's taken advantage of a couple of pensioners and not treated them properly.

You can market a property so long as the epc has been instructed.