e05032 Inspection Findings Disclosure

Identifier: e050322

Date: 09/13/2006

Question

Is it a violation of the CoE to allow the real estate agent or homeowner to accompany the inspector and overhear the verbal results of the inspection without asking the client’s permission first, and should this question to the client be asked in private? 

Response

The Code of Ethics states that "inspectors shall not disclose inspection results or client information without client approval." It is the opinion of the committee that the Code requires the inspector to specifically seek approval from the client prior to discussing findings, that a tacit approval of the disclosure of inspection findings during an inspection, based on the lack of objection by the client, is insufficient, and that, to ensure against undue pressure on the client, it is best to inquire as to the client's wishes in private in advance, as feasible.  Incidentally, several state home inspection laws also support the client’s right to control disclosure of inspection information

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