e060329 Reporting a Crime

Identifier: e060329

Date: 03/29/2006

Question

Do home inspectors have an obligation under the Code to report evidence of a crime, such as a drug operation, to the authorities, if the evidence is uncovered during a home inspection? 

Response

While the Code of Ethics does not directly require an inspector to report a crime to law enforcement, there may well be a legal obligation to report evidence of a crime to the appropriate law enforcement agency, depending upon the circumstances.  Any determination of such responsibility is beyond the scope of this Committee.  The Code does direct inspectors to uphold the reputation and practice of the home inspection profession and to act in good faith toward each client and other interested parties.  In light of the potential impact of such findings on the parties to the sale and to the public, each inspector should give serious consideration to reporting the crime to the appropriate authorities as a part of his/her civic responsibilities, as well as reporting observations in regard to such activities to his or her client.