The state House of Representatives recently approved House Bill 21, requiring the licensing of home inspectors.
The bill would require the State Board of Real Estate Appraisers to set qualifications for licensure and to license home inspectors. The board also would be able to prohibit unlicensed individuals from conducting inspections or claiming to be licensed home inspectors.
House Bill 21 was sponsored by Reps. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin) and Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny).
“The passage of House Bill 21 represents an important step forward in consumer protection during the home buying process,” Helm said. “Home inspectors are the only individuals that are unlicensed during the entire real estate transaction. Since other professionals who are prominent in the home buying process are licensed, such as real estate agents and appraisers, many consumers incorrectly assume that home inspectors are licensed as well. I hope the Senate and the governor act quickly to add this important enhancement to the health, safety, and welfare of Pennsylvania home buyers.”
The bill also requires home inspectors to notify clients of evidence of interior mold. This requirement was the result of homeowners across the state complaining they were never informed of widespread internal mold, Kortz said.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.