Section 308-408C-020. Ethics—Statement of purpose.

In order to ensure the integrity and high standard of skill and practice in the home inspection profession, the following rules of conduct and ethics shall be binding upon the inspector.

The home inspector must:

(1) Provide home inspection services that conform to the Washington state home inspectors' SOP.

(2) Provide full written disclosure of any business or familial relationships or other conflicts of interest between themselves and any other party to the transaction. The parties may include, but are not limited to, buyers, sellers, appraisers, real estate licensees, mortgage representatives, title companies, vendors and service contractors.

(3) Act as an unbiased party and discharge his or her duties with integrity and fidelity to the client.

(4) Perform services and express opinions based on genuine conviction and only within the inspector's area of education, training, or expertise.

(5) Not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report that knowingly minimizes, compromises or attempts to balance information about defects for the purpose of garnering future referrals.

(6) Not provide services that constitute the unauthorized practice of any profession that requires a special license when the inspector does not hold that license.

(7) Not accept compensation for a home inspection from more than one party without written disclosure to the inspector's client(s).

(8) Not for one year after completion of the inspection repair, replace, or upgrade for compensation components or systems on any building inspected - this section applies to the inspector's firm and other employees or principals of that firm or affiliated firms.

(9) Not provide compensation, inducement, or reward directly or indirectly, to any person or entity other than the client, for the referral of business, inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors or preferred providers or participate in similar arrangements. The purchase and/or use of low-value advertising or marketing services or products that does not exceed ten dollars per item, is not considered inducement or reward.

(10) Not disclose information contained in the inspection report without client approval or as required by law. However, at their discretion inspectors may disclose when practical observed safety or health hazards to occupants or others that are exposed to such hazards.

(11) Not advertise previous experience in an associated trade as experience in the home inspection profession. An inspector's advertised inspection experience will reflect only the inspector's experience as a home inspector and inspectors shall not advertise, market or promote their home inspection services or qualifications in a fraudulent, false, deceptive or misleading manner.

(12) Not accept a home inspection referral or perform a home inspection when assignment of the inspection is contingent upon the inspector reporting predetermined conditions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.280.050 and 18.280.060(6). WSR 09-08-014, § 308-408C-020, filed 3/20/09, effective 4/20/09.]

RCW 18.280.050 and 18.280.060(6). WSR 09-08-014, § 308-408C-020, filed 3/20/09, effective 4/20/09.