Proposed Revisions to Code of Ethics Now Reflects Feedback

In response to tremendously helpful feedback from the Membership, the proposal for updating the Code of Ethics has been revised. Due to extensive re-organization and many changes, the vote on a revised Code will be delayed to give adequate time for review of the revised proposal.

—Chris Ueland, ASHI Code of Ethics Committee chair

The Membership is invited to comment on the latest proposed version through November 17, 2003 by e-mail at ethics@ashi.org. To read the rationale for the newest draft, go to the “Members Only” side of www.ashi.org. Click on “ASHI Documents,” then click on “Rationale for Proposed Code of Ethics.”

Proposed 9/6/03 draft 3    

ASHI®  Code  of  Ethics 

Integrity, honesty, and objectivity are fundamental principles embraced by this Code, which sets forth obligations of ethical conduct for the home inspection profession. The Membership of ASHI has created this Code to provide high ethical standards to safeguard the public and the profession.

Inspectors shall comply with this Code, shall avoid association with any enterprise whose practices violate this Code, and shall strive to uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and practice of the home inspection profession.

Inspectors shall avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, professional independence, objectivity, or inspection integrity.
Inspectors shall not inspect properties for compensation in which they have, or expect to have, a financial interest.

Inspectors shall not inspect properties under contingent arrangements such as:  payment for inspection to occur only upon successful sale of property; amount paid to depend on inspection findings; or future business referrals to depend on a third party’s approval of inspection findings.

Inspectors shall not compensate, directly or indirectly, realty agents or other parties financially interested in real estate transactions for the referral of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers, or similar arrangements.

Inspectors shall not receive compensation from more than one party per inspection unless agreed to by the client(s).

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.

Inspectors shall not repair or physically improve, for compensation, reported deficient systems or components listed in the ASHI Standards of Practice, within one year after each inspection.

Inspectors shall act in good faith toward each client and other interested parties.

Inspectors shall perform services and express opinions based on honest conviction and only within their areas of education, training, or experience.

Inspectors shall be objective in their reporting and not knowingly understate or overstate the significance of reported conditions.

Inspectors shall not disclose inspection results or a client’s personal information without approval of the client. Inspectors, at their discretion, may disclose observed immediate safety hazards to occupants exposed to such hazards, when feasible.

Inspectors shall avoid activities that harm the public, discredit themselves, or reduce public confidence in the profession.

Advertising, marketing, and promotion of inspectors’ services or qualifications shall not be fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading.

Inspectors shall report substantial and willful violations of this Code to the Society.