12 States Allow Unlicensed Home Inspectors

In twelve U.S. states, the profession of home inspection is unregulated, meaning individuals can operate as home inspectors without any formal education, licensing, or insurance. This lack of oversight contrasts sharply with the critical role home inspectors play in identifying potential issues in properties before purchase. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), only 35 states mandate a conventional state-issued license or registration for home inspectors. In the remaining states, the requirements to become a home inspector can be minimal. Dillon M. White, an attorney and constitutional law professor, demonstrated this by showing that in Minnesota, one can become a home inspector simply by declaring it as a business activity. White shared this finding in a viral post on TikTok under his account "dadchats," where he stated, "I just became a home inspector! Because I declared it as such." While licensing requirements are sometimes criticized for increasing business costs and potentially raising housing prices, White's observation highlights the opposite risk: consumers may be unaware of the absence of minimum qualifications for the person inspecting their significant investment. Fred Rodrigues, a Certified Master Inspector and Florida-licensed home inspector at Damngood Inspection, emphasized the trust buyers place in home inspectors. He explained to Realtor.com® that a home inspection provides buyers with a clear understanding of a home's condition before they make a substantial financial commitment. Rodrigues clarified his role, stating, "I don’t tell a buyer whether to buy the house. I point out what I found, explain it in plain English, and recommend the right..." The lack of standardized qualifications across states means that the quality and reliability of home inspections can vary dramatically, potentially leaving homebuyers vulnerable to unforeseen and costly repairs. This situation creates a "blind spot" in the home buying process, where a crucial step in due diligence is performed by individuals with no guaranteed level of expertise or accountability. The absence of a national standard for home inspectors means that consumers in unregulated states are not afforded the same level of protection as those in states with licensing requirements. This disparity can lead to significant financial and legal complications for buyers who rely on these inspections to make informed decisions about their property purchases. The implications extend beyond individual buyers, potentially impacting the overall integrity of the real estate market by allowing unqualified individuals to provide essential services.