Home Inspectors should be regulated

home-inspectionIn the interests of the public and the real estate industry the Ontario home inspection industry should undergo regulation. According to the Ontario Real Estate Association, Ontario REALTORS® support the provincial government’s initiative to push for regulation to enhance the home inspection industry and provide greater protection to consumers. Currently, anyone in Ontario can call himself or herself a home inspector. In 2013 The Ministry of Consumer Services commissioned a review of home inspector qualifications by an independent, 16-member panel of stakeholders, including home inspectors, consumer advocates, educators, and professionals in real estate, law and insurance. A Closer Look: Qualifying Ontario’s Home Inspectors was released in December and recommends regulation of home inspection industry. The panel made 35 recommendations in its 72-page report, after which the government invited public review and feedback to guide decision-making. Hopefully we will see introductory regulatory measures in 2014/2015.