News Release
For Immediate Release
March 31, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

Greenleaf Bill Creating State Licensure Requirements for Home Inspectors Clears Committee

Harrisburg—Today, the State Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee approved Senator Greenleaf’s Senate Bill 149, creating a board and licensure requirements for home inspectors. 

Though state law currently requires home inspectors to belong to a national home inspector organization and carry liability insurance, it does not provide any direct oversight or ensure compliance.   

While licensure is required of other professionals involved in real estate transactions including realtors, appraisers and mortgage lenders, there is no such standard for home inspectors.  As a result, many home inspectors are practicing in disregard for the law and to the detriment of consumers.  

Senator Greenleaf said, "The purchase of a home is the largest financial investment that most Pennsylvania consumers make during their lifetime.  A botched home inspection can result in enormous expenses for homeowners who are left to fix the undetected problems.  This bill would also help avoid costly litigation for all parties in a real estate transaction that often results from a faulty inspection." 

The bill would establish the Pennsylvania Board of Home Inspectors, a nine member panel that would issue licenses to qualified inspectors and ensure that they meet all the requirements of the law including continuing education.  In addition, the board would create guidelines to educate the public regarding state licensure of home inspectors. 

"I believe this is an important consumer protection initiative," said Greenleaf.  This legislation should give home buyers some added confidence when considering their purchase." 

Senate Bill 149 has been sent to the full Senate for consideration.