e011105 Can an inspector accept fees for providing and/or sell client information?

Identifier: e011105

Date: 04/25/2002

Question

To participate in this [name of contractor] $15 "processing fee", a HI must provide what I believe to be confidential client information to [name of contractor]. Is doing so, and accepting the $15, a violation, and can complaints be filed against members for participating in this plan?

Response

Accepting payment or other consideration from a party in return for client information or special access to an inspector's client for the purpose of marketing services to the client, such as being present during a home inspection for which a member is responsible, violates Code of Ethics paragraphs #5 and #2 (requiring acting in good faith toward each client).