In pre-contract work for Bramble Cottage, which document's content must be checked alongside the EPC to assess environmental issues affecting the sale?

• A. The TA6 Part 7 Environmental Matters should be checked in addition to the EPC.
• B. Gas safety certificate.
• C. Planning permission history.
• D. None; EPC suffices.

Answer: (A)

Environmental information isn’t covered by the Energy Performance Certificate alone. When assessing environmental risks in pre-contract work, you pull in the TA6 Part 7 Environmental Matters. This section is specifically designed to capture what the seller knows about environmental issues that could affect the property or its value—things like contamination, flooding risk, ground conditions, hazardous nearby uses, drainage problems, or any other environmental liabilities. It provides a clear picture for the buyer and helps determine whether further reports or warranties are needed.

The other documents don’t serve this purpose. A gas safety certificate relates to the safety of gas installations, planning permission history concerns development permissions, and the EPC focuses on energy efficiency and performance. So, to properly assess environmental issues alongside the EPC, you check the TA6 Part 7 Environmental Matters.