878 IAC 1-2-2 - Code of ethics for home inspectors
Authority: IC 25-20.2-3-8; IC 25-20.2-3-9
Affected: IC 25-20.2
Sec. 2.
(a)
Integrity, honesty, and objectivity are fundamental principles embodied in this
code of ethics, which sets forth obligations of ethical conduct for the home
inspection profession. The home inspectors licensing board has adopted this
code of ethics to provide high ethical standards to safeguard the public and
the profession.
(b) Licensees
shall:
(1) comply with this code of
ethics;
(2) avoid association with
any enterprise whose practices violate this code of ethics;
(3) strive to uphold, maintain, and improve
the integrity, reputation, and practice of the home inspection profession;
and
(4) avoid conflicts of interest
or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, professional
independence, objectivity, or inspection integrity.
(c) Licensees shall not:
(1) inspect properties:
(A) for compensation in which they have, or
expect to have, a financial interest; or
(B) under contingent arrangements whereby any
compensation or future referrals are dependent on reported findings or on the
sale of property;
(2)
directly or indirectly compensate realty agents, or other parties having a
financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for
the referral of inspections of or inclusion on a list of recommended
inspectors, preferred providers, or similar arrangements;
(3) receive compensation for an inspection
from more than one (1) party unless agreed to by the client or
clients;
(4) accept compensation,
directly or indirectly, for recommending contractors, services, or products to
inspection clients or other parties having an interest in inspected properties;
or
(5) repair, replace, or upgrade,
for compensation, systems or components covered by the minimum standards of
competent performance found in section 1 of this rule for one (1) year after
the inspection.
(d)
Licensees shall:
(1) act in good faith toward
each client and other interested parties;
(2) perform services and express opinions
based on genuine conviction and only within their areas of education, training,
or experience; and
(3) be objective
in their reporting and not knowingly understate or overstate the significance
of reported conditions.
(e) Licensees shall not disclose inspection
results or client information without client approval. Licensees, at their
discretion, may disclose observed immediate safety hazards to occupants exposed
to such hazards when feasible.
(f)
Licensees shall avoid activities that may harm the public, discredit
themselves, or reduce public confidence in their profession.
(g) Advertising, marketing, and promotion of
licensees services or qualifications shall not be fraudulent, false, deceptive,
or misleading.
(h) Licensees shall
report substantive and willful violations of:
(1) this code of ethics; and
(2) the minimum standards of competent
performance found in section 1 of this rule.
Notes
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