Inspection Intel: Five Things Ohio Homebuyers & Sellers Should Know About Home Inspections

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In observance of April's designation as National Home Inspection Awareness Month, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) is highlighting important information Ohio homebuyers need to know when they engage the services of a licensed home inspector.

Ohio established its Home Inspector Program in 2019, at which time it became a requirement for home inspectors to be licensed with the state of Ohio.

"The creation of the Ohio Home Inspector Program added a critical layer of regulation that was previously missing from the homebuying process," REPL Superintendent Daphne Hawk said. "This program was developed to give potential homebuyers, who are making arguably the biggest purchase of their lives, peace of mind in knowing any inspector they plan to hire is properly trained."

REPL shares five things Ohio consumers should keep in mind about home inspections:

• The legislation that created the Home Inspector Program prohibits real estate agents from providing the name of just one licensed home inspector to a homebuyer or seller. Instead, agents must provide the names of at least three home inspectors.
• Homebuyers and sellers should use the REPL's License Lookup tool to verify they are working with a licensed professional.
• Consumers should be aware that Ohio law requires home inspectors to be properly insured.
• Home inspectors are required to enter into a written contract with a client before any inspection occurs. A written report on the condition of a residential building also is required.
• Home inspectors and their clients need to have the appropriate permissions from the homeowner and/or homeowner's agent in order to enter their property to conduct an inspection.

The Ohio Home Inspector Program gave the Division the responsibility to adopt rules, including a Canon of Ethics and Standards of Practice, as a guide for licensed inspectors' delivery of service. REPL determines the education and experience required to obtain an inspector license, and it approves the pre-licensing and continuing education curriculum and providers. REPL handles the investigation of complaints made against licensed inspectors as well as allegations of unlicensed activity.

The Division administers the duties and operation of the Ohio Home Inspector Board, which consists of seven members, five of whom are Governor-appointed home inspectors, and two consumer advocates each appointed by the Ohio House Speaker and Senate President.

The Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing is a state agency within the Ohio Department of Commerce. The Division licenses and regulates real estate brokers and sales associates who conduct business in Ohio. It ensures the professional competency of licensees and enforces fair business practices throughout the industry.