Focus on Ethics

In addition to developing ethics education for the ASHI membership, the ASHI Code of Ethics Committee is charged with answering Requests for Interpretation of our Code of Ethics.

In answering the first question below, the committee took the view that donating to a real estate agent’s or broker’s favorite charity does not constitute compensation to the agent or broker. The mere fact that a donation may encourage an agent or broker to think favorably of an inspector does not make the action unethical.

The second question addresses the applicability of the code to our profession. If we are performing a home inspection or acting within our role as a home inspector, the code clearly applies.

In each of our Focus on Ethics articles, we present one or more RFIs and the responses developed by the committee since the new Code of Ethics was approved. Our membership is encouraged to submit RFIs to the committee if serious questions about the intent and applicability of the code arise. The necessary form is available at the ASHI Website under Downloads/ASHI Documents.

—Keith A. Oberg, Chair 2006 ASHI Code of Ethics Committee

Request for interpretation

e051109 Real Estate Agent or Broker charities
As part of a Board of Realtor® effort, members are being asked to contribute to a charitable activity in memory of a Realtor member. Is it acceptable for me to donate a set amount for each inspection I perform during this activity?

Response

Donating money to a real estate agent- or broker-supported charity may encourage some real estate agents or brokers to refer business to the donor, but this does not represent direct or indirect compensation to any real estate agent or broker involved in such sales, and is not a violation of the Code.   

Request for interpretation

e50926 HiTech Equipment
Would services that involve the use of high-tech remote-controlled equipment fall under the Code of Ethics?     

Response

The ASHI Code of Ethics was developed to “set forth obligations of ethical conduct for the home inspection profession.” The code addresses the ethical issues that an inspector may face when performing his or her duties as a home inspector as defined by the ASHI Standards of Practice. The code does not address the use of any particular equipment or inspection methods. The use of such equipment does not change the inspector’s obligations under the code when performing home inspections.