Section 878 IAC 1-2-2 - Code of ethics for home inspectorsAuthority: IC 25-20.2-3-8; IC 25-20.2-3-9
Affected: IC 25-20.2
Sec. 2.
(a) Integrity, honesty, and objectivity are fundamental principles embodied in this code of ethics, which sets forth obligations of ethical conduct for the home inspection profession. The home inspectors licensing board has adopted this code of ethics to provide high ethical standards to safeguard the public and the profession.(b) Licensees shall:(1) comply with this code of ethics;(2) avoid association with any enterprise whose practices violate this code of ethics;(3) strive to uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and practice of the home inspection profession; and(4) avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, professional independence, objectivity, or inspection integrity.(c) Licensees shall not: (1) inspect properties: (A) for compensation in which they have, or expect to have, a financial interest; or(B) under contingent arrangements whereby any compensation or future referrals are dependent on reported findings or on the sale of property;(2) directly or indirectly compensate realty agents, or other parties having a financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for the referral of inspections of or inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers, or similar arrangements;(3) receive compensation for an inspection from more than one (1) party unless agreed to by the client or clients;(4) accept compensation, directly or indirectly, for recommending contractors, services, or products to inspection clients or other parties having an interest in inspected properties; or(5) repair, replace, or upgrade, for compensation, systems or components covered by the minimum standards of competent performance found in section 1 of this rule for one (1) year after the inspection.(d) Licensees shall:(1) act in good faith toward each client and other interested parties;(2) perform services and express opinions based on genuine conviction and only within their areas of education, training, or experience; and(3) be objective in their reporting and not knowingly understate or overstate the significance of reported conditions.(e) Licensees shall not disclose inspection results or client information without client approval. Licensees, at their discretion, may disclose observed immediate safety hazards to occupants exposed to such hazards when feasible.(f) Licensees shall avoid activities that may harm the public, discredit themselves, or reduce public confidence in their profession.(g) Advertising, marketing, and promotion of licensees services or qualifications shall not be fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading.(h) Licensees shall report substantive and willful violations of: (1) this code of ethics; and(2) the minimum standards of competent performance found in section 1 of this rule.Home Inspectors Licensing Board; 878 IAC 1-2-2; filed Apr 18, 2005, 12:15 p.m.: 28 IR 2724; readopted filed Nov 22, 2011, 12:20 p.m.: 20111221-IR-878110371RFAReadopted filed 12/1/2017, 1:54 p.m.: 20171227-IR-878170406RFAReadopted filed 7/25/2023, 9:45 a.m.: 20230823-IR-878230088RFA