e130218 Can a Member Accept an Unsolicited Monetary Thank You from a Contractor?

Identifier: e130218

Date: 03/03/2013

Question:

A chapter member is in this situation and would like an interpretation. An out-of-state client asked for an A/Ccontractor recommendation from the home inspector after the inspection was completed.The home inspector gave the client a list of three reputable contractors to choose from. The client chose one from the list and had the work done. (An A/Csystem replacement.)

As a result, the A/C contractor gave the home inspector a check for $50 or $500 as a thank you for the referral. (The reason I put both amounts is I would like an interpretation based on each.)

If the home inspector accepts either amount is this an ethics violation? If so, why?

Response:

This is clearly a violation of our Code of Ethics, regardless of the amount of the referral fee.

The ASHI Code of Ethics, 1E states: Inspectors shall not accept compensation, directly or indirectly, for recommending contractors, services, or products to inspection clients or other parties having an interest in inspected properties.