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New York regulations

Title 19 Part 197

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19 NYCRR 197-1.1 - Liability coverage

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(a)Every applicant and every licensed home inspector shall secure, maintain, and file with the Department of State proof of general liability insurance of at least $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 in the aggregate.
(b)Every proof of liability coverage shall provide that cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy shall not be effective unless and until at least 10 days' notice of intention to cancel or nonrenew has been received in writing by the Secretary of State.
(c)In addition, every proof of liability coverage shall include the following information:
(1)the name and business address of the insured;
(2)the name, business address and telephone number of insurance company;
(3)the policy number;
(4)the term of the policy; provided, however, that the proof of liability coverage shall provide that the coverage shall not expire until a notice of intention to cancel or non-renewal has been received in writing by the Secretary of State at least 10 days prior to the date of cancellation or non-renewal;
(5)a statement indicating that the policy provides general liability coverage of at least $150,000 per occurrence and $500,000 in the aggregate.

19 NYCRR 197-2.1 - Approved entities

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Home inspection courses and offerings may be given by any college or university accredited by the Commissioner of Education of the State of New York or by a regional accrediting agency accepted by said Commissioner of Education; public and private schools; and home inspection related professional societies and organizations.

19 NYCRR 197-2.2 - Requests for approval of courses of study

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Applications for approval to conduct courses of study to satisfy the requirements for licensed home inspector shall be made at least 60 days before the proposed course is to be conducted. The application shall be prescribed by the department to include the following:

(a)name and business address of the proposed school which will present the course;
(b)if applicant is a partnership, the names and home addresses of all the partners of the entity;
(c)if applicant is a corporation, the names and home addresses of persons who own five percent or more of the stock of the entity;
(d)the name, home and business address and telephone number of the education coordinator that will be responsible for administering the regulations contained in this Part;
(e)locations where classes will be conducted;
(f)title of each course to be conducted;
(g)detailed outline of each module, together with the time sequence of each segment;
(h)final examination to be presented for each course, including the answer key;
(i)all times included on each test form must be consistent with content specifications indicated for each course. Weighing of significant content areas should fall within the weight ranges indicated. All reference sources used to support each correct answer must be included. Linkage to each answer must be indicated with a footnote showing page number, subject matter, etc.;
(j)description of materials that will be distributed;
(k)the books that will be used for the outline and the final exams; and
(l)a detailed description of the means of providing the 40-hour field based training.

19 NYCRR 197-2.3 - Subjects for study-home inspection

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19 NYCRR 197-2.4 - Equivalency pre-licensing education courses completed prior to January 1, 2006

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(a)The criteria for approval of courses completed prior to the January 1, 2006, shall be that the course or courses have substantially covered the same subject matter, classroom hours of attendance and completed standards as prescribed by this Subpart as a prerequisite of licensing.
(b)Application for course evaluation must be accompanied by an official transcript or other documentation showing the subjects taken, the hours of instruction devoted to each subject and the hours attended by said applicant together with the date completed. In addition, a course description or outline must be provided by the school along with an applicant's equivalency request.
(c)The department may request additional supportive documentation to determine course equivalency.

19 NYCRR 197-2.5 - Computation of instruction time

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To meet the minimum statutory requirement, attendance shall be computed on the basis of an hour equaling 50 minutes. For every 50 minutes of instruction there shall be an additional 10-minute break. The time of the breaks shall be left to the discretion of the individual education coordinator. Breaks shall not be considered optional, nor are they to be used to release the class earlier than scheduled.

19 NYCRR 197-2.6 - Attendance and examinations

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(a)No person shall receive credit for any course module presented in a classroom setting if he or she is absent from the classroom, during any instructional period, for a period or periods totaling more than 10 percent of the time prescribed for the course module pursuant to section 197-2.3 of this Subpart, and no person shall be absent from the classroom except for a reasonable and unavoidable cause.
(b)Students who fail to attend the required scheduled class hours may, at the discretion of the approved entity, make up the missed subject matter during subsequent classes presented by the approved entity.
(c)Final examinations may not be taken by any student who has not satisfied the attendance requirement.
(d)A make up examination may be presented to students at the discretion of the approved entity. Make up examinations must be submitted for approval to the department in accordance with guidelines noted in section 197-2.2 of this Subpart.
(e)All examinations required for course work shall be written and given within a reasonable time after the course work has been conducted. The failure of the final exam shall constitute failure of the course module.

19 NYCRR 197-2.7 - Facilities

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Each course shall be presented in such premises and in such facilities as shall be necessary to properly present the course.

19 NYCRR 197-2.8 - Record retention

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All organizations conducting approved courses of study shall retain the attendance records, the final examinations and a list of students who successfully complete each course module for a period of three years after completion of each course module. All documents shall at all times during such period be available for inspection by duly authorized representatives of the Department of State.

19 NYCRR 197-2.9 - Faculty

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(a)Each instructor for an approved home inspection course of study must be approved by the Department of State. To be approved, an instructor must submit an application along with a resume reflecting three years of experience as a home inspector during which time the applicant has completed at least 250 home inspections.
(b)An instructor who does not qualify under subdivision (a) of this section may be approved as a technical expert if the instructor submits an application and resume establishing, to the satisfaction of the Department of State, that the applicant is an expert in and has at least three years' experience in a specific technical subject related to home inspection. Approval by the Department of State shall specify the subject(s) within the home inspection course or course module for which approval is given.

19 NYCRR 197-2.10 - Policies concerning course cancellation and tuition refund

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Any educational institution or other organization requesting from the Department of State approval for home inspection courses must have a policy relating to course cancellation and tuition refunds. Such policy must be provided in writing to prospective students prior to the acceptance of any fees.

19 NYCRR 197-2.11 - Revocation, suspension and denial of course approval

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The Department of State may deny, suspend, or revoke the approval or renewal of a home inspection course or a home inspection instructor, if it is determined that they are not in compliance with applicable law and rules, or if the offering does not adequately reflect and present current home inspection knowledge as a basis for a level of home inspection practice, or if the course provider or instructor has obtained, used or attempted to obtain or use the Department of State's home inspection examination questions. Prior to the denial of an application, suspension or revocation, the course provider or instructor shall have the opportunity to be heard by the Secretary of State or his designee.

19 NYCRR 197-2.12 - Advertisements

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Any education institution or other organization offering approved courses may not make or publish any false or misleading statement regarding employment opportunities which may be available as a result of the successful completions of a course or as a result of acquisition of a home inspector license.

19 NYCRR 197-2.13 - Auditing

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A duly authorized representative of the Department of State may audit any course offered, and may verify attendance and inspect the records of attendance of the course at any time during its presentation or thereafter.

19 NYCRR 197-2.14 - Open to public

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All courses approved pursuant to this Subpart shall be open to all members of the public regardless of the membership of the prospective student in any home inspection related professional society or organization.

19 NYCRR 197-2.15 - Certificates of completion and student lists

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(a)Evidence of successful completion of a course module must be furnished to students in certificate form. The certificate must indicate the following: name of the student; name of the course provider; title of the home inspection module; number of hours; code number of the module; a statement that the student, who shall be named, has satisfactorily completed a course of study in home inspection subjects or unpaid field-based training approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of section 197-2.3 of this Subpart, and that his or her attendance record was satisfactory and in conformity with the law, and that such module was completed on a stated date. The certificate must be signed and dated with an original signature by the owner or course coordinator.
(b)A list of the names and addresses of students who successfully complete each course module must be submitted to the Department of State within 15 days of completion of a course module.

19 NYCRR 197-3.1 - General requirements

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(a)Renewals.

For all home inspection licenses that expire prior to December 31, 2008, no renewal license shall be issued unless said licensee has completed six hours of approved continuing education within the two-year period immediately preceding such renewal. For all home inspection licenses that expire on or after December 31, 2008, no renewal license shall be issued unless said licensee has completed 24 hours of approved continuing education within the two-year period immediately preceding such renewal.

(b)Course approval.

No offering of a course of study in the home inspection field for the purpose of compliance with the continuing education requirements of subdivision (a) of this section shall be acceptable for credit unless such course of study has been approved by the Department of State under the provisions of this Part.

19 NYCRR 197-3.2 - Approved entities

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Continuing education home inspection courses (herein referred to as “sponsors”) may be given by any college or university accredited by the Commissioner of Education of the State of New York or by a regional accrediting agency approved by the Commissioner of Education; public or private schools; and home inspection related professional societies and organizations. Types of instruction which shall not be acceptable as meeting continuing education requirements include such courses as:

(a)offerings in basic computer skills training, instructional navigation of the internet, instructional use of generic computer software or industry specific report writing software, instruction in personal motivation, business marketing, salesmanship, radon and pests, and any other instruction that is unrelated to home inspection.

19 NYCRR 197-3.3 - Request for approval of course of study

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The following applies to courses to be presented in a classroom setting where the instructor is present with the class. Requests for approval of courses of study in the home inspection field to be given to satisfy the requirements for continuing education under the provisions of this Part shall be made 60 days before the proposed course is to be given. The request shall include the following:

(a)name, address and telephone number of the applicant;
(b)if applicant is a partnership, the names of the partners in the entity; if a corporation, the names of any persons who own five percent or more of the stock of the entity;
(c)title of each course to be offered;
(d)location of each course offered;
(e)duration and time of each course offered;
(f)procedure for taking attendance;
(g)a detailed outline of the subject matter of each course or seminar. The outline shall contain the amount of time each segment of the course or seminar lasts, as well as the teaching techniques used in each segment. Each course or seminar will contain at least one hour of instruction, and at most 24 hours of instruction; and
(h)description of materials to be distributed to the participants.

19 NYCRR 197-3.4 - Program approval

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Sponsors of courses of study may file applications for approval within 30 days of the completion of that course. The sponsor conducting the program may not guarantee to licensees that approval will be granted. Advertisements of such courses of study must indicate that such approval is not guaranteed.

19 NYCRR 197-3.5 - Successful completion of course

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(a)Any course for continuing education shall be accepted for credit on the basis of attendance only. For those courses that have received pre-instruction approval from the Department of State, the course administrator must submit to the Department of State within 15 days of completion of the class, the names of all individuals who successfully complete the approved course together with the unique identification number assigned by the Department of State to all such individuals. For those courses that have received post-instruction approval from the Department of State pursuant to section 197-3.4 of this Subpart, the course administrator must submit this information to the Department of State within 15 days of having been granted post-instruction approval by the Department of State.
(b)Evidence of successful completion of the course must be furnished to students in certificate form. The certificates must indicate the following: the name of the approved entity, the name of the course, the code number of the course, and that the student who shall be named has satisfactorily completed a continuing education course approved by the Department of State and the number of hours earned. The certificate must be signed and dated by the person authorized to sign certificates. For those courses that have received post-instruction approval from the Department of State pursuant to section 197-3.4 of this Subpart, the course administrator shall provide this course certificate to qualified course attendees within 30 days of having received Department of State course approval.

19 NYCRR 197-3.6 - Equivalency credit

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(a)A licensee who teaches an approved home inspection course pursuant to Subpart 197-2 of this Part or an approved course offered for continuing education shall be credited with two hours for each hour of actual teaching performed. Records of such teaching shall be maintained by the person or organization presenting the course and certified on forms prescribed by the Department of State. The records of such teaching shall be deemed records of attendance for all purposes of these rules. Credit shall not be awarded for teaching the same course more than once in a license cycle. Instructors must submit evidence of such teaching experience with an equivalency application as prescribed by the Department of State.
(b)Individuals who complete a course of study offered outside of the State of New York, which course has not been approved by the Department of State, may file a request to the department to have such course count as credit toward their New York continuing education requirement. All applications for such consideration must be submitted with official documentation of satisfactory completion and the official descriptions of the course of study as prescribed by the Department of State. Upon receipt of such a request, the Department of State will review and evaluate the out-of-state course to determine if all or a portion of the course may be credited toward the applicant's New York continuing education requirement. Within 30 days of receipt of a request, the Department of State will approve or deny the request for New York continuing education credit.
(c)All applications for and evidence of equivalency credit must be submitted to the Department of State for consideration at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the license.

19 NYCRR 197-3.7 - Extension of time to complete courses

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The Department of State may grant an extension to any licensee who evidences bona fide hardship precluding completion of the continuing education requirements prior to the time the renewal application is to be filed. A licensee seeking such an extension shall submit a written request, together with the evidence demonstrating such hardship. Within 30 days of receipt of a request, the Department of State will notify the licensee whether their request for an extension has been granted or denied.

19 NYCRR 197-3.8 - Computation of instruction time

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To meet the minimum statutory requirement, attendance shall be computed on the basis of an hour equaling 60 minutes.

19 NYCRR 197-3.9 - Attendance and record retention

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(a)No licensed person shall receive credit for any course presented in a classroom setting if he or she is absent from the classroom, during any instructional period, for a period or periods totaling more than 10 percent of the time prescribed for the course pursuant to section 197-3.3(g) of this Subpart, and no licensed person shall be absent from the classroom except for a reasonable and unavoidable cause.
(b)The person or organization conducting the course shall certify to the Department of State the name of each licensed person who successfully completed the course of study and his or her unique identification number as assigned by the Department of State, and shall maintain its attendance records and a copy of such report for three years and, in addition, shall maintain the following records concerning the course:
(1)the approval number issued by the Department of State for the course;
(2)title and description of the course;
(3)the dates and hours the course was given; and
(4)the names and unique identification numbers of the persons who took the course and whether they completed it successfully.

19 NYCRR 197-3.10 - Policies concerning course cancellation and tuition refund

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Any educational institution or other organization requesting from the Department of State approval for home inspection courses must have a policy relating to course cancellation and tuition refunds. Such policy must be provided in writing to prospective students prior to the acceptance of any fees.

19 NYCRR 197-3.11 - Auditing

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A duly authorized designee of the Department of State may audit any course offered and may verify attendance and inspect the records of attendance of the course at any time during its presentation or thereafter.

19 NYCRR 197-3.12 - Change in approved course of study

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There shall be no change or alteration in any approved course of study without prior written notice to, and approval by, the Department of State.

19 NYCRR 197-3.13 - Suspensions and denials of school approval

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The Department of State may deny, suspend or revoke the approval of a home inspection school, if it is determined that they are not in compliance with the law and rules. If disciplinary action is taken, a written order of suspension, revocation, or denial of approval will be issued. Anyone who objects to such denial, suspension or revocation shall have the opportunity to be heard by the Secretary of State or his or her designee pursuant to Real Property Law section 444-i.

19 NYCRR 197-3.14 - Open to public

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All courses approved pursuant to this Part shall be open to all members of the public regardless of the membership of the prospective student in any home inspection professional society or organization.

19 NYCRR 197-3.15 - Facilities

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Each course shall be presented in such premises and in such facilities as shall be necessary to properly present the course.

19 NYCRR 197-3.16 - Faculty

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(a)Each instructor for an approved home inspection course of study must be approved by the Department of State. To be approved, an instructor must submit an application along with a resume reflecting three years of experience as a home inspector during which time the applicant has completed at least 250 home inspections.
(b)An instructor who does not qualify under subdivision (a) of this section may be approved as a technical expert if the instructor submits an application and resume establishing, to the satisfaction of the Department of State, that the applicant is an expert in and has at least three years' experience in a specific technical subject related to home inspection. Approval by the Department of State shall specify the subject(s) within the home inspection course or course module for which approval is given.

19 NYCRR 197-3.17 - Continuing education credit

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No continuing education course will be considered for continuing education credit more than once within the two-year cycle of renewal.

19 NYCRR 197-3.18 - Registration period

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Each registration or renewal period for approved programs or courses shall be for 12 months or a part thereof, said period to commence on January 1st or date thereafter and to continue until December 31st.

19 NYCRR 197-4.1 - Fundamental rules

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(a)Home inspectors shall exhibit honesty and integrity in furtherance of the honor of the home inspection profession. A home inspection has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all home buyers. In performing home inspection services, home inspectors shall adhere to the highest principles of ethical conduct.
(b)This Code of Ethics and regulations reflects the current ethical standards for home inspectors. It is the department’s intention that this document be a living document and that changes and updates to this Code of Ethics and regulations be made as deemed necessary by the department in consultation with the Home Inspection Council.
(c)Home inspectors shall fully adhere to and comply with the provisions of article 12-B of the Real Property Law and all regulations promulgated thereunder including, but not limited to, this Code of Ethics and regulations and the standards of practice.
(d)Home inspectors shall be required to cooperate with investigations by the Department of State. Each applicant or licensee shall be obligated, on request of the Secretary of State, to supply such information as may be required concerning his, her or its business, business practices or business methods, or proposed business practices or methods.

19 NYCRR 197-4.2 - Written contracts

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(a)Prior to performing a home inspection, home inspectors shall provide a client with a written pre-inspection agreement that clearly and fully describes the scope of service to be provided and the cost associated with that service. All said contracts shall contain the following clauses which shall be printed in type size of not less than six point:

“Home inspectors are licensed by the NYS Department of State. Home Inspectors may only report on readily accessible and observed conditions as outlined in this pre-inspection agreement, Article 12 B of the Real Property Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder including, but not limited to, the Code of Ethics and Regulations and the Standards of Practice as provided in Title 19 NYCRR Subparts 197-4 and 197-5 et seq. Home inspectors are not permitted to provide engineering or architectural services.”; and “If immediate threats to health or safety are observed during the course of the inspection, the client hereby consents to allow the home inspector to disclose such immediate threats to health or safety to the property owner and/or occupants of the property.”

(b)Home inspectors shall discuss the scope of the inspection with the client and only perform services which have been duly authorized by the client.

19 NYCRR 197-4.3 - Non-disclosure

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Home inspectors shall not disclose to a third party the contents of a home inspection report or any observations, deductions, opinions that pertain to a home inspection report without the prior consent of the client or the client’s representative.

19 NYCRR 197-4.4 - Unlicensed and unlawful activity

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(a)Home inspectors shall not engage in, knowingly permit or aid and abet, unlicensed or activity that is prohibited by article 12-B of the Real Property Law or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(b)In the event that a client insists upon a home inspector engaging in unlawful and/or unethical conduct, the home inspector shall, after notice to the client that such conduct is unlawful or unethical, be permitted to immediately withdraw from the assignment or contract.
(c)Home inspectors shall not determine property boundary lines or encroachments, easements or any limitations of use of the property.
(d)Home inspectors shall not determine compliance with regulations, codes, laws or ordinances.
(e)Home inspectors shall not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.

19 NYCRR 197-4.5 - Competence

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(a)Except as provided in section 197-4.6 of this Subpart and section 197-5.2(c) of this Part, home inspectors shall conduct home inspections in compliance with the standards of practice.
(b)Home inspectors shall not accept or perform services in which the home inspector knows or has reason to know that he or she is not competent to perform.
(c)Home inspectors shall not delegate responsibility to another when the home inspector delegating such responsibility knows or has reason to know that such person is not a duly licensed home inspector and/or qualified by training and experience to perform said task.

19 NYCRR 197-4.6 - Written reports

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(a)Home inspectors shall provide a written report containing the results of a home inspection.
(b)Home inspectors shall not willfully make a false report or false or misleading statements in the context of home inspection activities and/or a home inspection report.
(c)The home inspection report shall clearly identify the systems and components of the residential building that were observed. If a home inspector is providing a home inspection that does not meet the minimum requirements as set forth in the standards of practice, the home inspection report must describe the scope of work, the services provided, and the systems and components that were included in and excluded from the inspection.

19 NYCRR 197-4.7 - Conflicts of interest

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(a)The duty of every home inspector shall be to the client. Home inspectors shall avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise their professional objectivity, or have the potential of creating an appearance that their professional objectivity has been compromised.
(b)Prior to accepting any home inspection assignment, home inspectors shall disclose to the potential client all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence the home inspector’s judgment or the quality of the home inspector’s services.
(c)Home inspectors shall not solicit or accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for a home inspection unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to the client and agreed upon by all interested parties.
(d)Home inspectors shall not solicit or accept an assignment or contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of the home inspector’s office or organization serves as a member.
(e)Home inspectors shall not directly or indirectly compensate, in any way, real estate brokers, real estate salespersons, real estate brokerage companies, lending institutions or any other party or parties that expect to have a financial interest in closing the transaction, for future referrals of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors or preferred providers or any similar arrangement.
(f)Home inspectors shall not accept financial or other consideration, such as material or equipment, from suppliers for suggesting the use of, or promoting a specific product in the course of performing a home inspection.
(g)In connection with performing home inspections, home inspectors shall not accept commissions, fees or other consideration directly or indirectly from contractors or other persons or entities dealing with clients or employers of the home inspector in connection with work for which the inspector is responsible for, or has reported upon.
(h)Home inspectors shall not inspect any residential building in which said home inspector or relative thereof has a financial interest or any interest in the transfer thereof, including the receipt of any commission as an agent.
(i)Home inspectors shall not inspect a home if the home inspector’s compensation is contingent upon the sale of the home or if compensation is contingent upon the results of the home inspection.

19 NYCRR 197-4.8 - Fraud, misrepresentation and dishonesty

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Home inspectors shall not engage in fraud, fraudulent activity, misrepresentation or dishonesty.

19 NYCRR 197-4.9 - Promotion and advertising

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(a)Home inspectors shall not advertise in a false, misleading or deceptive manner.
(b)Home inspectors shall not falsify or misrepresent their experience, education or qualifications or permit any such misrepresentation by their employees or associates.
(c)Home inspectors shall not advertise home inspection services as an engineer or architect or under the heading of engineers, engineering, architects or architecture in any form of print or electronic media unless the individual and/or firm is licensed to provide engineering or architectural services by the New York State Education Department.
(d)Home inspectors shall refrain from making any claim relating to the quality and effectiveness of services which cannot be substantiated by the home inspector.
(e)Home inspectors placing or authorizing advertisements shall maintain or cause to be maintained an exact copy of each advertisement for a period of one year following the advertisement’s last publication. This copy shall be made available for inspection, upon request, by the department or an authorized representative of the department.
(f)Nothing herein shall prohibit a home inspector from advertising his or her services or advertising for the purpose of recruiting employees provided that no such advertisements shall be misleading or deceptive.

19 NYCRR 197-5.1 - Definitions

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(a)Alarm systems means installed or freestanding warning devices including, but not limited to, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors and security equipment.
(b)Central air conditioning means a system that uses either ducts to distribute cooled and/or dehumidified air to more than one room of a residential building or pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room in a residential building, and which is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet.
(c)Component means a readily accessible and observable aspect of a system such as a floor or a wall, but not individual pieces such as boards or nails where many similar pieces make up the component.
(d)Dangerous or adverse situations means situations that pose a threat of injury to the home inspector including, but not limited to, those situations in which the home inspector is required to use special protective clothing or other safety equipment.
(e)Decorative means a component or part thereof that is ornamental and not required for the proper operation of the essential systems and components of a home.
(f)Dismantle means to take apart or remove any component, device, or piece of equipment that is bolted, screwed, or fastened and that a homeowner in the course of normal household maintenance would not dismantle.
(g)Engineering, practice of means as that term is defined in Education Law, title VIII, article 145, section 7201.
(h)Engineering study means a study requiring engineering services.
(i)Functional drainage means the operation of a drain whereby a drain empties in a reasonable amount of time and does not overflow when another fixture is drained simultaneously.
(j)Functional flow means a reasonable flow at the highest fixture in a dwelling when another fixture is operated simultaneously.
(k)Further evaluation means the examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesman, or service technician beyond that provided by the home inspection.
(l)Household appliances means kitchen and laundry appliances, room air conditioners, and similar appliances.
(m)Inspect means to visually examine any system or component of a building in accordance with these standards of practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily operable access panels.
(n)Installed means attached or connected such that the installed item requires tools for removal.
(o)Normal operating controls means homeowner operated devices such as a thermostat, wall switch, or safety switch.
(p)Observable means able to be observed at the time of the inspection without the removal of covering, fixed, finished and or stored materials.
(q)Observe means the act of making a visual examination.
(r)On-site water supply quantity means the volume of water that is available for domestic use.
(s)Operate means to cause systems or equipment to function.
(t)Primary windows and doors means windows and exterior doors that are designed to remain in their respective openings year-round.
(u)Readily accessible means available for visual inspection without requiring the home inspector to remove or dismantle any personal property, use destructive measures, or take any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property.
(v)Readily operable access panel means a panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance, which has removable or operable fasteners or latch devices in order to be lifted, swung open, or otherwise removed by one person, and its edges and fasteners are not painted in place. The panel must be within normal reach and not blocked by stored items, furniture or building components.
(w)Recreational facilities means spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, and other entertainment or athletic facilities.
(x)Report means a written document setting forth findings of home inspection unless otherwise specified in these regulations.
(y)Representative number means for multiple identical components such as windows and electrical outlets, one such component per room. For multiple identical exterior components this term shall mean one such component on each side of the building.
(z)Roof drainage systems means gutters, down spouts, leaders, splash blocks, and similar components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building.
(aa)Safe access means access free of any encumbrances, hazardous materials, health and safety hazards such as climbing and/or standing on other than the ground and/or floor which may jeopardize the inspector.
(ab)Safety glazing means tempered glass, laminated glass or rigid plastic.
(ac)Shut down means a piece of equipment or a system is shut down when the device or control cannot be operated in a manner that a homeowner would normally use to operate it. If the safety switch or circuit breaker is in the "off" position, or the fuse is missing or blown, the inspector is not required to reestablish the circuit for the purpose of operating the equipment or system.
(ad)Solid fuel heating device means any wood, coal, or other similar organic fuel burning device including, but not limited to, fireplaces whether masonry or factory built, fireplace inserts and stoves, wood stoves (room heaters), central furnaces, and any combination of these devices.
(ae)Structural component means a component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads).
(af)System means a combination of interacting or interdependent components, assembled to carry out one or more functions.
(ag)Technically exhaustive means an inspection is technically exhaustive when it involves the extensive use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, and other means to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
(ah)Under floor crawl space means the area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component.
(ai)Unsafe means a condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component, which is judged by the home inspector to be of significant risk of personal injury during normal, day to day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation or a change in the accepted residential construction standard.
(aj)Water supply quality means the quality of a residential building's water supply based on the bacterial, chemical, mineral, and solids content of the water.

19 NYCRR 197-5.2 - Purpose and scope

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(a)These standards of practice establish a minimum and uniform standard for home inspectors. Home inspections shall be performed in compliance with these standards of practice and shall provide the client with objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the residential building as observed at the time of the home inspection.
(b)These standards of practice are not intended to limit home inspectors from including other inspection services or from observing and reporting upon systems and components not required by these standards of practice.
(c)The home inspection report shall clearly identify the systems and components of the residential building that were observed. If a home inspector is providing a home inspection that does not meet the minimum requirements as set forth in this standards of practice, the home inspection report must describe the scope of work, the services provided and the systems and components that are included and excluded in the inspection.

19 NYCRR 197-5.3 - Minimum requirements

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(a)Home inspectors shall observe and report on readily accessible, visually observable installed systems and components as set forth in these standards of practice.
(b)Home inspectors shall report on those systems and components observed that, in the professional opinion of the home inspector, are deficient, not functioning properly and/or unsafe.
(c)If a home inspector has not observed a particular system or major component, he or she shall list said item in the inspection report as an item that was not observed and shall set forth the reasons why said item was not observed.

19 NYCRR 197-5.4 - Site conditions

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(a)Home inspectors shall observe and report the following site conditions:
(1)the building perimeter for land grade and water drainage directly adjacent to the foundation;
(2)trees and vegetation that adversely affect the residential building;
(3)walkways, steps, driveways, patios and retaining walls.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to observe and report on the following site conditions:
(1)fences and privacy walls;
(2)the health and condition of trees, shrubs and other vegetation.

19 NYCRR 197-5.5 - Structural systems

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(a)Home inspectors shall observe and report on the following:
(1)any deteriorated and/or damaged structural component including the building foundation and framing;
(2)the floor structure;
(3)the wall structure;
(4)the ceiling structure;
(5)the roof structure.

19 NYCRR 197-5.6 - Exterior

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(a)Home inspectors shall observe and report on:
(1)all exterior walls and coverings, flashing and trim;
(2)all exterior doors including garage doors and operators;
(3)all attached or adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches and railings;
(4)all eaves, soffits and fascias where accessible from the ground level;
(5)all adjacent walkways, patios and driveways on the subject property;
(6)the condition of a representative number of windows.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to observe and report on the following:
(1)screening, shutters, awnings and other seasonal accessories;
(2)fences;
(3)geological and/or soil conditions;
(4)recreational facilities;
(5)out-buildings other than garages and carports;
(6)tennis courts, jetted tubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, saunas and similar structures that would require specialized knowledge or test equipment;
(7)erosion control and earth stabilization measures;
(8)the operation of security locks, devices or systems;
(9)the presence of safety-type glass or the integrity of thermal window seals or damaged glass.

19 NYCRR 197-5.7 - Roof systems

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(a)Home inspectors shall observe and report on readily accessible:
(1)roofing materials and condition;
(2)roof drainage systems;
(3)flashing;
(4)skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.
(b)The home inspector shall report on the methods used to observe the roof and other components set forth in this section.
(c)All home inspection reports shall describe the observed condition and type of roofing materials and shall describe the methods used to observe the roofing.
(d)Home inspectors are not required to observe and report on:
(1)antennas, lightening arresters or similar attachments;
(2)any flue or chimney interior that is not readily accessible;
(3)other installed accessories.
(e)Home inspectors are not required to operate powered roof ventilators.
(f)Home inspectors are not required to determine the remaining life expectancy of roof coverings, manufacturers' defects, installation methods or recalls or to determine the number of roof layers present.
(g)Home inspectors are not required to walk on or access a roof where to do so could result in damage to the roof or roofing material or endanger the health and safety of the home inspector.

19 NYCRR 197-5.8 - Plumbing system

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19 NYCRR 197-5.9 - Electrical system

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19 NYCRR 197-5.10 - Heating system

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19 NYCRR 197-5.11 - Air conditioning systems

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(a)Home inspectors shall:
(1)observe, describe and report on the type of air conditioning equipment and air conditioning distribution system;
(2)operate the system using the thermostat;
(3)open a representative number of readily accessible and operable access panels provided by the manufacturer for routine homeowner maintenance;
(4)observe and report on the condition of normally operated controls and components of the system.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to:
(1)activate or operate air conditioning systems that have been shut down;
(2)observe and report on gas-fired refrigeration systems, evaporative coolers, or wall or window-mounted air conditioning units;
(3)check the pressure of the system coolant or determine the presence of leakage;
(4)evaluate the capacity, efficiency or adequacy of the system;
(5)operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 65°F or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage equipment;
(6)remove covers or panels that are not readily accessible or that are not part of routine homeowner maintenance;
(7)dismantle any equipment, controls or gauges;
(8)check the electrical current drawn by the unit;
(9)observe and report on electronic air filters.

19 NYCRR 197-5.12 - Interior

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(a)Home inspectors shall:
(1)observe and report on the material and general condition of walls, ceilings and floors;
(2)observe and report on steps, stairways and railings;
(3)observe, operate and report on garage doors, garage door safety devices and garage door operators;
(4)where visible and readily accessible, observe and report on the bath and/or kitchen vent fan ducting to determine if it exhausts to the exterior of the residential building;
(5)observe, operate and report on a representative number of primary windows and interior doors;
(6)observe and report on visible signs of water penetration.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to:
(1)ignite fires in a fireplace or stove to determine the adequacy of draft, perform a chimney smoke test or observe any solid fuel device in use;
(2)evaluate the installation or adequacy of inserts, wood burning stoves or other modifications to a fireplace, stove or chimney;
(3)determine clearance to combustibles in concealed areas;
(4)observe and report on paint, wallpaper or other finish treatments;
(5)observe and report on window treatments;
(6)observe and report on central vacuum systems;
(7)observe and report on household appliances;
(8)observe and report on recreational facilities;
(9)observe and report on lifts, elevators, dumbwaiters or similar devices.

19 NYCRR 197-5.13 - Insulation and ventilation

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(a)Home inspectors shall:
(1)observe, describe and report on insulation in accessible, visible unfinished spaces;
(2)observe, describe and report on ventilation of accessible attics and foundation areas;
(3)observe and report on mechanical ventilation systems in visible accessible areas.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to:
(1)disturb insulation;
(2)operate mechanical ventilation systems when weather or other conditions are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.

19 NYCRR 197-5.14 - Fireplaces

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(a)Home inspectors shall:
(1)observe and report on visible and accessible system components;
(2)observe and report on visible and accessible chimneys and vents;
(3)observe and report on chimney caps;
(4)observe and report on fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances;
(5)observe and report on chimneys;
(6)observe, operate and report on accessible fireplace dampers.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to:
(1)observe and report on the interiors of flues or chimneys;
(2)observe and report on fire screens and doors;
(3)observe and report on automatic fuel feed devices;
(4)observe and report on mantles and fireplace surrounds;
(5)observe and report on combustion make-up air devices;
(6)observe and report on heat distribution assists;
(7)ignite or extinguish fires;
(8)determine draft characteristics;
(9)move fireplace inserts and stoves or firebox contents.

19 NYCRR 197-5.15 - Attics

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(a)Home inspectors shall observe and report on any safe and readily accessible attic space describing:
(1)the method of observation used; and
(2)conditions observed.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to enter any attic where no walkable floor is present or where entry would, in the opinion of the home inspector, be unsafe.

19 NYCRR 197-5.16 - Limitations and exclusions

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(a)Home inspectors are not required to observe any item that is concealed or not readily accessible to the home inspector. The home inspector is not required to move furniture, personal or stored items; lift floor coverings; move attached wall or ceiling coverings or panels; or perform any test or procedure which could damage or destroy the item being evaluated.
(b)Home inspectors are not required to observe appliances, recreational facilities, alarm systems, intercoms, speaker systems, radio controlled devices, security devices and lawn irrigation systems.
(c)Home inspectors shall not be required to determine the presence or absence of any suspected hazardous substance including but not limited to, latent surface and/or subsurface volatile organic compounds, PCB's, asbestos, urea formaldehyde insulation, toxins, carcinogens, diseases, wood destroying organisms, mold, hazardous plants, illicit drugs or drug making equipment, lead paint, noise or contaminants in soil, water, air quality, wet lands or any other environmental hazard.
(d)Except as otherwise necessary and required by this standards of practice, home inspectors are not required to use special instruments or testing devices, such as amp meters, pressure gauges, moisture meters, gas detectors and similar equipment.
(e)Home inspectors are not required to report on real property, geological, environmental or hazardous waste conditions, manufacturer recalls or conformance of proper manufacturer installation of any component or system, or information contained in consumer protection bulletins. Home inspectors are not required to report upon past or present violations of codes, ordinances or regulations.
(f)Home inspectors are not required to provide an inspection of any condominium common component or system, or to evaluate condominium reserve accounts.
(g)Home inspectors are not required to enter any residential building or area of a building that, in the opinion of the home inspector, is dangerous to the safety of the home inspector or others or that will result in damage to the property, its systems or components.
(h)Home inspectors shall not be required to enter any area or perform any procedure which, in the opinion of the home inspector, may damage the property or its components.
(i)Home inspectors shall not be required to observe any system or component that is not included in this standards of practice.
(j)Home inspections performed in accordance with these standards of practice are not technically exhaustive and are not required to identify concealed conditions, latent defects or consequential damages.
(k)Home inspectors are not required to determine:
(1)conditions of systems or components that are not readily accessible;
(2)the remaining life expectancy of any system or component;
(3)the strength, adequacy, effectiveness or efficiency of any system or component;
(4)the causes of any condition or deficiency;
(5)the methods, materials or costs of corrections;
(6)the future condition of a system or component including, but not limited to, the failure of the system and/or components;
(7)the suitability of the property for any specialized use;
(8)the advisability of purchase of the property;
(9)the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals including, but not limited to, wood destroying organisms or diseases harmful to humans including molds or mold-like substances;
(10)the presence of any environmental hazard including, but not limited to, toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water and air;
(11)the effectiveness of any system installed or method utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances;
(12)operating costs of systems of components;
(13)acoustical properties of any system or component;
(14)soil conditions related to geo-technical or hydrologic specialties.
(l)Home inspectors are not required to offer:
(1)to perform work in any trade or profession other than home inspection;
(2)warranties or guarantees of any kind.
(m)Home inspectors are not required to operate:
(1)any system or component that is shut down or otherwise inoperable;
(2)any system or component that does not respond to normal operating controls and shall not be required to dismantle any system or component, except as explicitly required by these standards of practice;
(3)shut off valves or manual stop valves;
(4)any system or component that, in the opinion of the home inspector, is dangerous to the home inspector or other persons, or will result in damage to the residential building, its systems or its components.
(n)Home inspectors are not required to observe:
(1)concealed spaces or components or underground items including, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other underground indications of their presence, whether abandoned or otherwise;
(2)items that have not been installed;
(3)installed decorative items;
(4)items that are not entered in accordance with section 197-5.15 of this Subpart;
(5)detached structures other than garages and carports.
(o)Home inspectors shall not be required to describe or report on any system or component that is not included in these standards of practice and was not inspected.
(p)Home inspectors shall not be required to move personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice or debris.
(q)These standards of practice are not intended to limit home inspectors from excluding systems and components from the home inspection if requested by the client.

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